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n. APPLETON & COMPANTS PUBLICATIONS. 



The Great Work on Russia. 

Fifth Edition now ready. 



RUSSIA AS IT IS. 

By Count A. de G-urowski. 

One neat volume 12mo., pp. 328, well printed. Price $1, cloth. 

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UJ 

■31 
h- 

O 
U 



AFRICA 



AND 



THE AMERICAI FLAG. 



BY 

COMMANDER ANDREW H. FOOTE. 

U. S. NAVY, 

LIEUT. COMMANDING IJ. S. BRIG PERRY ON THE COAST OF AFRICA, 
A. D. 1850— 1S51. 



NEW YORK: 
D. APPLETON & CO., 346 & 348 BROADWAY, 

AND 16 LITTLE BRITAIN, LONDON. 
I M DOCC LTV, 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S54, 

By D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. 






TO 



COMMODORE JOSEPH SMITH, U. S. i\., 



CHIEF OF THE NAYAL BTTREAU OF YARDS AND DOCKS 



%\h i0tam^ u ^tVitnUla, 



AS A SLIGHT TRIBUTE 



OF RESPECT FOR HIS OFFICIAL CHARACTER 



AND AS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT 



OF HIS UNIFORM ATTACHMENT 



AS A FRIEND. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Subjeet and Arrangement — Area of Cruising-Ground — Distribu- 
tion of Subjects 13 

CHAPTER 11. 

Discoveries by French and Portuguese along the Coast — Cape of 
Good Hope — Results 17 

CHAPTER IH. 

Pirates — Davis, Roberts, and others — British Cruisers — Slave- 
Trade systematized — Guineamen — " Horrors of the Middle 
Passage" 20 

CHAPTER IV. 
Physical Geography — Climate — Geology — Zoology — Botany 31 

CHAPTER V. 

African Ifations — Distribution of Races — Arts — Manners and Char- 
acter — Superstitions — Treatment of the Dead — Regard for the 
Spirits of the Departed — "Witchcraft — Ordeal — Military Force — 
Amazons — Cannibalism 46 

CHAPTER VI. 

Trade — Metals — Mines — Vegetable Productions — Gums — Oils — 
Cotton — Dye-Stuflfs 65 



g CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VII. 
European Colonies-Portuguese -Remaining lafluence of the Por- 
tuguese-Slave Factories— English Colonies— Treaties with the 
Native Chiefs— Influence of Sierra Leone— Destruction of Barra- 
coons— Influence of England— Chiefs on the Coast— Ashantee— 
King of Dahomey 



11 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Dahomey— Slavish Subjection of the People— Dependence of the 
King on the Slave-Trade— Exhibition of Human Skulls— Annual 
Human Sacrifices— Lagos— The Changes of Three Centuries.. . . 85 

CHAPTER IX. 
State of the Coast prior to the Foundation of Liberia— Native 
Tribes — Customs and Policy — Power of the Folgias — Kroomen, 
ifec- Conflicts 94 

CHAPTER X. 

General Views on the Establishment of Colonies — Penal Colonies — 
Views of the People of the United States in reference to 
African Colonies — State of Slavery at the Revolutionary War — 
Negroes who joined the English — Disposal of them by Great 
Britain — Early Movements with respect to African Colonies — 
Plan matured by Dr. Finley — Formation of the American Colo- 
nization Society 101 

CHAPTER XL 

Foundation of the American Colony — Early Agents — Mills, Bur- 
gess, Bacon and others — U. S. Sloop-of-War " Cyane" — Arrival 
at the Island of Sherboro — Disposal of Recaptured Slaves by 
the U. S. Government— Fever— Slavers Captured — U. S. Schoon- 
er " Shark"— Sherboro partially abandoned — IT. S. Schooner 
" Alligator"— Selection and Settlement of Cape Mesnrado— Capt. 
Stockton— Dr. Ayres— King Peter— Arguments with the Na- 
tives— Conflicts— Dr. Ayres made Prisoner — King Boatswain — 
Completion of the Purchase 110 

CHAPTER XII 

Ashmun— Necessity of Defence— Fortifications— Assaults— Arrival 
of Major Laing— Condition of the Colonies— Sloops-of- War 
" Cyane" and « John Adams"— King Boatswain as a Slaver— 



CONTENTS. 9 

Misconduct of the Emigrants — Disinterestedness of Ashmun — U. 
S. Schooner " Porpoise" — Captain Skinner — Rev. R. R. Gurley — 
Purchase of Territory on the St. Paul's River — Attack on Trade- 
town — Piracies — U. S. Schooner " Shark" — Sloop-of-War " On- 
tario" — Death of "Ashmun — His Character by Rev. Dr. Bacon.... 123 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Lot Carey — -Dr. Randall — Establishment of the Liberia Herald — 
Wars with the Deys — Sloop-of-War " John Adams" — Difficulties 
of the Government — Condition of the Settlers 141 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Commonwealth of Liberia — Thomas H. Buchanan — Views of 
different Parties — Detached Condition of the Colony — Necessity 
of Union — Establishment of a Commonwealth — -Xlsa of. -Ahe / 
American Flag in the Slave-Trade — -"Euphrates" — Sloop " Camp- 
beir'-^Tavers at Bassa — Expedition against them — Conflict — 
Gallinas 148 

CHAPTER XV. 

Buchanan's Administration continued — Death of King Boatswain — 
War with Gaytumba — Attack on Heddington — Expedition of 
Buchanan against Gaytumba — Death of Buchanan — His Char- 
acter 159 

CHAPTER XVI 

Roberts governor — Difficulties with English Traders — Position of 
Liberia in respect to England — Case of the " John Seyes" — Offi- 
cial Correspondence of Everett and Upshur — Trouble on the 
Coast — Reflections , 166 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Roberts' Administration — Efforts in Reference to English Traders — 
Internal Condition of Liberia — Insubordination — Treaties with 
the native Kings — Expedition to the Interior — Causes leading 
to a Declaration of Independence 1^8 

CHAPTER XVIIL 

Independence of Liberia proclaimed and acknowledged by Great 
Britain, France, Belgium, Prussia, and Brazil — Treaties with Eng- 
land and France— Expedition against New Cesters — U. S. Sloop- 

1* 



180 



10 CONTENTS. 

of-War « Yorktown"— English and French Cruisers— Disturb- 
ances among the native Chiefs— Financial Troubles— Recurring 
Difficulty with English Traders— Boombo, Will Buckle, Grando, 
King Beyer • 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Condition of Liberia as a Nation— Aspect of Liberia to a Visitor- 
Character of Monrovia— Soil, Productions and Labor — Harbor — 
Condition of the People compared with that of their Race in the 
United States— Schools 192 

CHAPTER XX. 

Maryland in Liberia — Cape Palmas — Hall and Russwurm — Chas- 
tisement of the Natives at Berebee by the U. S. Squadron — 
Line of Packets — Proposal of Independence — Illustrations of 
the Colonization Scheme — Christian Missions 200 

CHAPTER XXL 

Renewal of Piracy and the Slave-Trade at the close of the Euro- 
pean War — British Squadron — Treaties with the Natives — Origin 
of Barracoons — Use of the American Flag in the Slave-Trade — 
Official Correspondence on the Subject — Condition of Slaves on 

board of the Slave- Vessels — Case of the " Veloz Fassageira" 

French Squadron 218 

CHAPTER XXIL 
United States Squadron — Treaty of Washington 232 

CHAPTER XXIIL 

Case of the " Mary Carver," seized by the Natives— Measures of 
the Squadron in consequence— Destruction of Towns — Letter 
from U. S. Brig "Truxton" in relation to a captured Slaver 236 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
Capture of the Slave-Barque " Pons"- Slaves landed at Hon- 
rovia— Capture of the Slave-equipped Vessels "Panther," 
"Robert Wilson," "Chancellor," (fee-Letter from the "James- 
town" in reference to Liberia- Affair with the Natives near Cape 
Palmas— Seizure and Condemnation of the Slaver " H N Gam- 
^''^^" '...■ 243 



CONTENTS. 11 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Cruise of the "Perry" — Instructions — Dispatched to the South 
Coast — Benguela — Case of a Slaver which had changed her Nation- 
ahty captured by an Enghsh Cruiser — St. Paul de Loanda — 
• Abuse of the American Flag — "Want of a Consul on the South 
Coast — Correspondence with British Officers in relation to Sla-- 
vers under the American Flag — The Barque " N'avarre" — Treaty 
with Portugal — Abatement of Custom-House Duties — Cruis- 
ing off Ambriz — An Arrangement made with the British Com- 
modore for the Joint Cruising of the "Perry" and Steamer 

^"Cyclops" — Co-operation with the British Squadron for the 
Suppression of the Slave-Trade — -Fitting out of American Slavers 
in Brazil 254 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

American Brigantine " Louisa Beaton" suspected — Correspondence 
with the Commander of the Southern Division of the British 
Squadron — Boat Cruising — Currents — Rollers on the Coast — 
Trade- Winds — Climate — Prince's Island — Madame Fereira 2Y2 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Return to the Southern Coast — Capture of the American Slave- 
Ship " Martha" — Claim to Brazilian IS'ationality— -Letters found 
on board illustrative of the Slave-Trade — Loanda — French, Eng- 
lish, and Portuguese Cruisers — Congo River — Boarding Foreign 
Merchant Vessels — Capture of the "Volusia" by a British 
Cruiser — She claims American Nationality — The Meeting of the 
Commodores at Loanda — Discussions in relation to Interference 
with Vessels ostensibly American — Seizure of the American 
Brigantine " Chatsworth," — Claims by the Master of the 
" Volusia" 285 

CHAPTER XXVIII 

Another Cruise — Chatsworth again — Visit to the Queen near 
Ambrizette — Seizure of the American Brigantine " Louisa Bea- 
ton" by a British Cruiser — Correspondence — Proposal of Remu- 
neration from the Captors — Seizure of the " Chatsworth" as a 
Slaver — Italian Supercargo — Master of the " Louisa Beaton" 306 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Prohibition of Visits to Vessels at Loanda — Correspondence — 
Restrictions removed — St. Helena — Appearance of the Island — 
Reception — Correspondence with the Chief-Justice — Departure. 324 



12 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



Return to Loanda-" Cyclops" leaves the Coast-Hon. Captam 
Hastings-Discussion .^'ith the British Commodore in reference 
to the Visit at St. Helena- Commodore Fanshawe— Arrival at 
Monrovia-British Cruiser ashore— Arrival at Porto Praya— 
Wreck of a Hamburgh Ship • 



336 



CHAPTER XXXI 

Return to the South Coast— Comparative Courses and Length of 
Passage— Country at the Mouth of the Congo— Correspondence 
with the British Commodore— State of the Slave-Trade— Com- 
munication to the Hydrographical Department— Elephants' 
Bay— Crew on Shore— Zebras 344 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

The Condition of the Slave -Trade— Want of suitable Cruisers- 
Health of the Vessel — Navy Spirit-ration — Portuguese Commo- 
dore — French Commodore — Loanda — Letter from Sir George / 
Jackson, British Commissioner, on the State of the Slave-Trade — ^^ 
Return to Porto Praya 357 

CHAPTER XXXIIL 

Island of Madeira — Porto Grande, Cape Verde Islands — Inter- 
ference of the British Consul with the " Louisa Beaton" — Porto 
Praya — Brazilian Brigantine seized by the Authorities — Arrival 
at New York 369 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Conclusion — Necessity of Squadrons for Protection of Commerce 
and Citizens abroad — Fever in Brazil, West Indies, and United 
States— -Influence of Recaptured Slaves returning to the different 
regions of their own Country — Commercial Relations with Africa. 379 






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AFRICA 



AND 



THE AMERICAN FLAG. 



CHAPTEE I. 

SUBJECT AND ARRANGEMENT AREA OF CRUISING-GROUND 

DISTRIBUTION OF SUBJECTS. 

On the 28tli of ITovember, 1849, the U. S. brig 
" Perry" sailed for the west coast of Africa, to join the 
American squadron there stationed, 

A treaty with Great Britain, signed at Washington 
in the year 1842, stipulates that each nation shall main- 
tain on the coast of Africa, a force of naval vessels " of 
suitable numbers and description, to carry in all not 
less than eighty guns, to enforce separately and respec- 
tively, the laws, rights, and obligations of each of the 
two countries, for the suppression of the slave-trade." 

Although this stipulation was limited to the term of 
five years from the date of the exchange of the ratifi- 
cations of the treaty, " and afterwards until one or the 



14 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

other party shall signify a wish to terminate it ;" the 
United States have continued to maintain a squadron 
on that coast for the protection of its commerce, and 
for the suppression of the slave-trade, so far as it might 
be carried on in American vessels, or by American 
citizens. 

To illustrate the importance of this squadron, the re- 
lations which its operations bear to American interests, 
and to the rights of the American flag ; its effects upon 
the condition of Africa in checking crime, and pre- 
paring the way for the introduction of peace, prosperity, 
and civilization, is the primary object of this work. 

A general view of the continent of Africa, compris- 
ing the past and present condition of its inhabitants ; 
slavery in Africa and its foreign slave-trade ; the pira- 
cies upon the coast before it was guarded and protected 
by naval squadrons ; the geological structure of the 
country; its natural history, languages, and people; 
and the progress of colonization by the negro race re- 
turning to their own land with the light of religion, of 
sound policy, and of modern arts, will also be intro- 
duced as subjects appropriate to the general design. 

K a chart of the Atlantic is spread out, and a line 
drawn from the Cape Yerde Islands towards the south- 
eastern coast of Brazil ; if we then pass to the Cape of 
Good Hope and draw another from that point by the 
island of St. Helena, crossing the former north of the 



CRUISING-GROUND. 15 

equator, the great tracks of commerce will be traced. 
Yessels outward bound follow the track towards the 
South American shore, and the homeward bound are 
found on the other. Thus vessels often meet in the 
centre of the Atlantic ; and the crossing of these lines 
off the projecting shores of central Africa renders the 
coasts of that region of great naval importance. 

The wide triangular space of sea between the home- 
ward bound line and the retiring African seaboard 
around the Gulf of Guinea, constituted the area on 
which the vigilance of the squadron was to be exer- 
cised. Here is the region of crime, suffering, cruelty 
and death, from the slave-trade ; and here has been at 
different ages, when the police of the sea happened to 
be little cared for, the scene of the worst piracies which 
have ever disgraced human nature. 

Yessels running out from the African coast fall here 
and there into these lines traced on the chart, or some- 
times cross them. 'No one can tell what they contain 
from the graceful hull, well-proportioned masts, neatly 
trimmed yards, and gallant bearing of the vessel. This 
deceitful beauty may conceal wrong, violence, and 
crime — ^the theft of living men, the foulness and cor- 
ruption of the steaming slave-deck, and the charnel- 
house of wretchedness and despair. 

It is difficult in looking over the ship's side to con- 
ceive the transparency of the sea. The reflection of the 



16 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

blue sky in these tropic regions colors it like an opaque 
sapphire, till some fish startles one by suddenly appear- 
ing far beneath, seeming to carry daylight down with 
him into the depths below. One is then reminded that 
the vessel is suspended over a transparent abyss. There 
for ages has sunk the dark-skinned sufferer from " the 
horrors of the middle passage," carrying that ghastly 
daylight down with him, to rest until " the sea shall 
give up its dead," and the slaver and his merchant 
come from their places to be confronted with their 
victim. 

The relation of the western nations to these shores 
present themselves under three phases, which claim 
more or less attention in order to a full understanding 
of the subject. These are, 

I. Period of Discovery, Piracy and Slaving. 

II. Period of Colonizing. 

III. Period of Naval Cruising. 



CHAPTEE II. 

DISCOVERIES BY FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE ALONG THE COAST 
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE RESULTS. 

The French of ISTormandy contested with the Portu- 
guese the honor of first venturing into the Gnlf of 
jrninea. It was, however, nearly a hundred years 
rom the time when the latter first embarked in these 
iiscoveries, until, in 1487, they reached the Cape of 
jrood Hope. For about eight centuries the Moham- 
nedan in the interior had been shaping out an influence 
br himself by proselyting and commerce. The Portu- 
guese discoverer met this influence on the African 
;hores. The Yenetians held a sort of partnership with 
he Mohammedans in the trade of the East : Portugal 
lad then taken scarcely any share in the brilliant and 
jxciting politics of the Levant ; her vocation was to the 
leas of the West, but in that direction she was advanc- 
ng to an overwhelming triumph over her Eastern 
competitor. 

On the 3d of May, 1487, a boat left one of two small 
ligh-sterned vessels, of less tonnage than an ordinary 
river sloop of the present day, and landed a few weath- 
er-beaten men on a low island of rocks, on which 



18 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

thej proceeded to erect a cross. The sand which 
rustled across their footsteps, the sigh of the west wind 
among the waxberry bushes, and the croakings of the 
penguins as they waddled off, — these were the voices 
which hailed the opening of a new era for the world ; 
for Bartholomew Diaz had then passed the southern 
point of Africa, and was listening to the surf of the 
Antarctic Sea. 

This enterprising navigator had sailed from Lisbon 
in August, 14:86, and seems to have reached Sierra 
Parda, north of the Orange Kiver, in time to catch the 
last of the strong southeasterly winds, prevailing during 
the summer months on the southern coast of Africa, in 
the region of the Cape. He stood to the southwest, in 
vessels little calculated for holding a wind, and at 
length reached the region of the prevailing southwest 
winds. Tlien standing to the eastward he passed the 
Cape of Good Hope, of which he was in search, and 
bearing away to the northward, after running a distance 
of four hundred miles, brought up at the island of St. 
Croix above refeiTed to. Coasting along on his return, 
the Cape was doubled, and named Gaho Tormentoso^ or 
the Cape of Storms. The King of Portugal, on the 
discoverer's return, gave it the more promising name of 
Cabo de huen Speranza^ or Cape of Good Hope. 

Africa thus fell into the grasp of Europe. Trade 
flowed with a full stream into this new channel. Por- 



DISCOVERIES ALONG THE COAST. 19 

tugal conquered and settled its sliores. Missionaries 
accompanied the Portuguese discoverers and conquerors 
to various parts of Africa, where the Portuguese do- 
minion had been established, and for long periods in- 
fluenced the condition of the country. 



CHAPTEK III. 

PIRATES — DAVIS, ROBERTS, AND OTHERS BRITISH CRUISERS 

SLAVE-TRADE SYSTEMATIZED GUINEAMEN " HORRORS OF 

THE MIDDLE PASSAGE." 

The second period is that of villany. More Africans 
seem to laave been bought and sold, at all times of the 
world's history, than of any other race of mankind. 
The early navigators were offered slaves as merchan- 
dise. It is not easy to conceive that the few which 
they then carried away, conid serve any other purpose 
than to gratify curiosity, or add to the ostentations 
greatness of kings and noblemen. It was the demands 
of the west which rendered this iniquity a trade. Every 
thing which could debase a man was thrust upon Africa 
from every shore. The old military skill of Europe 
raised on almost every accessible point embattled for- 
tresses, which now picturesquely line the Gulf of 
Guinea. In the space between Cape Palmas and the 
Calabar Eiver, there are to be counted, in the old charts, 
forts and factories by hundreds. 

Tlie seventeenth and eighteenth centm^ies were espe- 
cially the era of woe to the African people. Crime 
against them on the part of European nations, had be- 



PIRATES AND SLAVES. 21 

come gross in cruelty and universal in extent. From 
the Cape of Good Hope to the Mediterranean, in respect 
to their lands or their persons, the European was seiz- 
ing, slaying and enslaving. The mischief perpetrated 
by the white man, was the source of mischief to itg 
author. The west coast became the haunt and nursery 
of pirates. In fact, the same class of men were the 
navigators of the pirate and the slaver ; and sailors had 
little hesitation in betraying their own vessels occa- 
sionally into the hands of the buccaneer. Slave-trad- 
ing afforded a pretext which covered all the prepara- 
tions for robbery. The whole civilized world had begun 
to share in this guilt and in this retribution. 

In 1692, a solitary Scotchman was found at Cape 
Mesurado, living among the negroes. He had reached 
the coast in a vessel, of which a man named Herbert had 
gotten possession in one of the American colonies, and 
had run off with on a buccaneering cruise ; a mutiny 
and fight resulted in the death of most of the officers 
and crew. The vessel drifted on shore, and bilged in 
the heavy surf at Cape Mesurado. 

The higher ranks of society in Christendom were 
then most grossly corrupt, and had a leading share in 
these crimes. There arrived at Barbadoes in 1694, a 
vessel from I^ew England, which might then have been 
called a clipper^ mounting twenty small guns. A com- 
pany of merchants of the island bought her, and fitted her 



22 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

out ostensibly as a slaver, bound to the island of Mada- 
gascar ; but in reality for the purpose of pirating on 
the India merchantmen trading to the Eed Sea. They 
induced Kussell, the governor of the island, to join them 
in the adventure, and to give the ship an official char- 
acter, so far as he was authorized to do so by his colo- 
nial commission. 

A "sea sohcitor" of this order, named Conklyn, 
arrived in 1719 at Sierra Leone in a state of great des- 
titution, bringing with him twenty-five of the greatest 
v^illains that could be culled from the crews of two or 
three piratical vessels on the coast. A mutiny had 
taken place in one of these, on account of the chief's 
assuming something of the character and habits of a 
gentleman, and Conklyn, after a severe contention, had 
left with his desperate associates. Had he remained, 
he might have become chief in command, as a second 
mutiny broke out soon after his departure, in which 
the chief was overpowered, placed on board one of the 
prize vessels, and never heard of afterwards. The 
pirates under a new commander followed Conklyn to 
Sierra Leone. They found there this worthy gentle- 
man, rich, and in command of a fine ship with eighty 
men. 

Davis, the notorious pirate, soon joined him with a 
well-armed ship manned with one hundred and fifty 
men. Here was collected as fruitful a nest of villany 



DAVIS, EGBERTS, AND PLUNKET. 23 

as the world ever saw. They plundered and captiu-ed 
whatever came in their course. Tliese vessels, with 
other pirates, soon destroyed more than one hundred 
trading vessels on the African coast. England entered 
into a kind of comjDromise, previously to sending a 
squadron against them, by offering pardon to all who 
should present themselves to the governor of any of her 
colonies before the first of July, 1Y19. This was equiv- 
alent to offering themselves to serve in the war which 
had commenced against Spain, or exchanging one kind 
of brigandage for another, by privateering against the 
Spanish commerce. But from the accounts of their 
prisoners very few of them could read, and thus the 
proclamation was almost a dead letter. 

In 1720, Roberts, a hero of the same class, anchored 
in Sierra Leone, and sent a message to Plunket, the 
commander of the English fort, with a request for some 
gold dust and ammunition. The commander of the 
fort replied that he had no gold dust for them, but that 
he would serve them with a good allowance of shot if 
they ventured within the range of his guns ; whereupon 
Roberts opened his fire upon the fort. Plunket soon 
expended all his ammunition, and abandoned his posi- 
tion. Being made prisoner he was taken before Rob- 
erts : the pirate assailed the poor commander with the 
most outrageous execrations for his audacity in resisting 
him. To his astonishment Plunket retorted upon him 



24 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

with oaths and execrations yet more tremendous. This 
was quite to the taste of the scomidrels around them, 
who, with shouts of laughter, told their captain that he 
was only second best at that business, and Plunket, in 
consideration of his victory, was allowed to escape with 
life. 

In 1721, England dispatched two men-of-war to the 
Gulf of Guinea for the purpose of exterminating the 
pirates who had there reached a formidable degree of 
power, and sometimes, as in the instance noted above, 
assailed the establishments on shore. They found that 
Roberts was in command of a squadron of three vessels, 
with about four hundred men under his command, and 
had been particularly active and successful in outrage. 
After cruising about the northern coast, and learning 
that Roberts had plundered many vessels, and that 
sailors were flocking to him from all quarters, they 
found him on the evening of the third of February, 
anchored with his three vessels in the bay north of 
Cape Lopez. 

When entering the bay, light enough remained to let 
them see that they had caught the miscreants in their 
lair. Closing in with the land the cruisers quietly ran 
in and anchored close aboard the outer vessel belonging 
to the pirates. Having ascertained the character of the 
visitors, the pirate slipped his cables, and proceeded to 
make sail, but was boarded and seciu'ed just as the 



CAPTURE OF PIRATES. 25 

rapid blackness of a tropical night buried every tbing 
in obscurity. Every sound was watcbed during the 
darkness of tbe night, with scarcely tbe bope tbat the 
other two pirates would not take advantage of it to 
make their escape ; but the short gray dawn showed 
them still at their anchors. The cruisers getting under 
way and closing in with the pirates produced no move- 
ment on their part, and some scheme of cunning or 
desperate resistance was prepared for. They had in 
fact made a draft from one vessel to man the other 
fully for defence. Into this vessel the smaller of the 
cruisers, the Swallow^ threw her broadside, which was 
feebly returned. A grape-shot in the head had killed 
Eoberts. This and the slaughter of the cruiser's fire 
prepared the way for the boarders, without much fur- 
ther resistance, to take possession of the pirate. The 
third vessel was easily captured. 

Tlie cruisers suffered no loss in the fight, but had 
been fatally reduced by sickness. The larger vessel, 
the Weymouth^ which left England with a crew of two 
hundred and forty men, had previously been reduced 
so greatly as scarcely to be able to weigh her anchors ; 
and, although recruited often from merchant vessels, 
landed but one hundred and eighty men in England. 
This rendered the charge of their prisoners somewhat 
hazardous, and taking them as far as Cape Coast Castle^ 
they there executed such justice as the place could 

2 



26 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAIS" FLAG. 

afford, or the demerits of their pre j deserved. A great 
numher of them ornamented the shore on gibbets — the 
well-known signs of civilization in that era — as long as 
the climate and the vnltnres wonld permit them to 
hang. 

Consequent on these events sneh order was established 
as circnmstances would admit, or rather the progress of 
maritime intercourse and naval power put an end to 
the system of daring and regulated piracy by which the 
tropical shores of Africa and the West Indies had been 
laid waste. This, however, was slight relief for Africa. 
It was to secm-e and systematize trade that piracy had 
been suppressed, and the slave-trade became accord- 
ingly cruelly and murderously systematic. 

The question what nation should be most enriched 
by the guilty traffic was a subject of diplomacy. Eng- 
land secured the greater share of the criminality and of 
the profit, by gaining from her other competitors the 
right by contract to supply the colonies of Spain with 
negroes. 

Men forget what they ought not to forget ; and how- 
ever startling, disgusting, and oppressive to the mind of 
man the horrors are which characterized that trade, it 
is well that since they did exist the memory of them 
should not perish. It is a fearfully dark chapter in the 
history of the world, but although terrific it has its 
value. It is more worthy of being remembered than 



GUINEAMEN AND PRESENT SLAVERS. 27 

the historical routine of wars, defeats, or victories ; for 
it is more illustrative of man's proper history, and of a 
strange era in that history. The evidence taken by the 
Committee of the English House of Lords in''1850, has 
again thrust the subject into daylight. 

The slave-trade is now carried on by comparatively 
small and ill-found vessels, watched by the cruisers in- 
cessantly. They are therefore induced, at any risk of 
loss by death, to crowd and pack their cargoes, so that 
a successful voyage may compensate for many captures. 
In olden times, there were vessels fitted exj)ressly for 
the purpose — large Indiamen or whalers. It has been 
objected to the employment of squadrons to exterminate 
that trade, that their interference has increased its enor- 
mity. This, however, is doing honor to the old Guinea- 
men, such as they by no means deserve. It is, in fact, 
an inference in favor of human nature, implying that a 
man who has impunity and leisure to do evil, cannot, 
in the nature of things, be so dreadfully heartless in 
doing it, as those in whose track the avenger follows 
to seize and punish. The fact, however, does not jus- 
tify this surmise in favor of impunity and leisure. If 
ever there was any thing on earth which, for revolting, 
filthy, heartless atrocity, might make the devil wonder 
and hell recognize its own likeness, then it was on any 
one of the decks of an old slaver. The sordid cupidity 
of the older, as it is meaner, was also more callous 



28 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

than the hurried ruffianism of the present age. In fact, 
a slaver now has but one deck ; in the last century 
they had two or three. Any one of the decks of the 
larger vessels was rather worse, if this could be, than 
the single deck of the brigs and schooners now em- 
ployed in the trade. Then, the number of decks ren- 
dered the suffocating and pestilential hold a scene of 
unparalleled wretchedness. Here are some instances 
of this, collected from evidence taken by the British 
House of Commons in 1Y92. 

James Morley, gunner of the Medway^ states : " He 
has seen them under great difficulty of breathing ; the 
women, particularly, often got upon the beams, where 
the gratings are often raised with banisters, about four 
feet above the combings, to give air, but they are gener- 
ally driven down, because they take the air from the rest. 
He has known rice held in the mouths of sea-sick slaves 
until they were almost strangled ; he has seen the sur- 
geon's mate force the panniken between their teeth, 
and throw the medicine over them, so that not half of 
it went into their mouths — the poor wretches wallowing 
in their blood, hardly having life, and this with blows 
of the cat." 

Dr. Thomas Trotter, surgeon of the Brookes^ says : 
" He has seen the slaves drawing their breath with all 
those laborious and anxious efforts for life which are 
observed in expiring animals, subjected, by experiment, 



"HORRORS OF THE MIDDLE PASSAGE." 29 

to foul air, or in the exhausted receiver of an air-pump ; 
has also seen them when the tarpaulins have inadver- 
tently been thrown over the gratings, attempting to 
heave them up, crying out ' Mckeraboo ! kickeraboo !' 
i. e.. We are dying. On removing the tarpaulin and 
gratings, they would fly to the hatchways with all the 
signs of terror and dread of suffocation ; many whom 
he has seen in a dying state, have recovered by being 
brought on the deck ; others, were irrevocably lost by 
suffocation, having had no previous signs of indisposi- 
tion." 

In regard to the Garland^s voyage, 1788, the testi- 
mony is : " Some of the diseased were obliged to be 
kept on deck. The slaves, both when ill and well, were 
frequently forced to eat against their inclination ; were 
whipped with a cat if they refused. The parts on which 
their shackles are fastened, are often excoriated by the 
violent exercise they are forced to take, and of this they 
made many grievous complaints to him. Fell in with 
the Jlero, Wilson, which had lost, he thinks, three hun- 
dred and sixty slaves by death ; he is certain more than 
half of her cargo ; learnt this from the surgeon ; they 
had died mostly of the smallpox ; surgeon also told him, 
that when removed from one place to another, they left 
marks of their skin and blood upon the deck, and that 
it was the most horrid sight he had ever seen." 

The- annexed sketch represents the lower deck of a 



30 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

GuineamarL, wlien the trade was mider systematic reg- 
ulations. The slaves were obliged to lie on their backs, 
and were shackled by their ankles, the left of one 
being fettered close to the right of the next ; so that the 
whole nnmber in one line formed a single living chain. 
"When one died, the body remained dnring the night, 
or dnring bad weather, secured to the two between 
whom he was. The height between decks was so little, 
that a man of ordinary size could hardly sit ujDright. 
During good weather, a gang of slaves was taken on 
the spar-deck, and there remained for a short time. In 
bad weather, when the hatches were closed, death from 
suffocation would necessarily occur. It can, therefore, 
easily be understood, that the athletic strangled the 
weaker intentionally, in order to procure more space, 
and that, when striving to get near some aperture 
affording air to breathe, many would be injm^ed or 
killed in the struggle. 
Such were " the horrors of the middle passage." 



CHAPTER lY* 

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY CLIMATE GEOLOGY ^ZOOLOGY- 
BOTANY. 

Before proceeding to tlie coloniziiig era, it will be 
requisite to present an estimate of the value and impor- 
tance of tlie African continent in relation to tlie rest of 
tlie world. This requires some preliminary notice of 
the physical condition of its territories, and the charac- 
ter and distribution of the tribes possessing them. 
Africa has not yet yielded to science the results which 
may be expected from it. Courage and hardihood, 
rather than knowledge and skill, have, from the cir- 
cumstances of the case, been the characteristics of its 
successful explorers. "We have, therefore, wonderful 
incidents and loose descriptions, without the accurate 
observation and statement of circumstances which can 
render them useful. 



* The author acknowledges his indebtedness for liberal and valuable 
contributions on the subject of Physical Geogi-aphy, Geology, &e., to 
the Rev. Dr. Adamson, for twenty years a resident at the Cape of 
Good Hope, and government director and professor in the South 
African college. He wishes also to express his obligations for frequent 
suggestions from the same source on scientific subjects, during the prep- 
aration of this "work., 



32 AFRICA AKD THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The vast radiator formed by the smi beating yerti- 
cally on tbe plains of tropical Africa, heats and ex- 
pands the air, and thns constitutes a sort of central 
trough into which gravitation brings compensating cur- 
rents, by producing a lateral sliding inwards of the 
great trade-wind streams. Thus, as a general rule, 
winds which would normally diverge from the shores 
are drawn in towards them. They have been gather- 
ing moisture in their progress, and when pressed up- 
wards, as they expand under the vertical sun, lose their 
heat in the upper regions, let go their moisture, and 
spread over the interior terraces and mountains a sheet 
of heavily depositing cloud. This constitutes the rainy 
season, which necessarily, from the causes producing it, 
accompanies the sun in its apparent oscillations across 
the equator. 

The Gulf of Guinea has in its own bosom a system of 
hurricanes and squalls, of which little is known but 
their existence and their danger. A description of 
them, of rather an old date, specifies as a fact that they 
begin by the appearance of a small mass of clouds in 
the zenith, which widens and extends till the canopy 
covers the horizon. Kow if this were true of any given 
spot, it would indicate that the hurricane always began 
there. The appearance of a patch of cloud in the 
zenith could be true of only one place out of all those 
which the hurricane influenced. If it is meant that 



PHYSICAL GEOGEAPHY. 33 

wherever the phenomenon originated, there a mass of 
clond gradnally formed in the zenith, this would be a 
most important particular in regard to the proximate 
cause of the phenomenon, for it would mark a rapid 
direction upwards of the atmosphere at that spot as the 
first observable incident of the series. That the move- 
ments produced would subsequently become whirling 
or circumvolant, is a mechanical necessity. But the 
force of the movement ought not to be strongest at the 
place where the mischief had its origin. 

Tlie squalls, with high towering clouds, which rise 
like a wall on the horizon, involve the same principles 
as to the formation of the vapor, and are easily expli- 
cable. They are not necessarily connected with circular 
hurricanes ; but the principles of their formation may 
modify the intensity of the blasts in a circumvolant 
tornado. Since in the Gulf of Guinea they come from 
the eastward, it is to be inferred that they are ripples 
or undulations in an air current. In regard to all of 
this, it is necessary to speak doubtfully, for there is a 
great lack of accurate and detailed observation on these 
points. 

Its position and physical characteristics give to this 
continent great influence over the rest of the earth. 
Africa, America, and Australia have nearly similar 
relations to the great oceans interposed respectively be- 
tween them. Against the eaS'tern sides of these regions 

2* 



34 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

are carried from the ocean those strange, fiuions whirl- 
ings in the shallow film of the earth's atmosphere, 
which constitute hurricanes. It is evident that these 
oceans are mainly the channels in which the surface 
winds move, which are drawn from colder regions to- 
wards the equator. The shores are the banks of these 
air streams. The return currents above flow over every 
thing. They are thus prevalent in the interior, so that 
the climatic conditions there are different from those 
on the seaboard. These circumstances in the southern 
extra-tropical regions are accompanied by correspond- 
ing differences in the character of the vegetable world. 

These winds are sometimes drawn aside across the 
coast line — constituting the Mediterranean sirocco, 
and the African harmattan. Yessels far off at sea, sail- 
ing to the northward, are covered or stained on the 
weather side of their rigging (that next to the African 
coast), with a fine light-yellow powder. A reddish- 
brown dust sometimes tinges the sails and rigging. An 
instance of this occurred on board the " Perry" on her 
outward bound passage, when five hundred miles from 
the African coast. 

The science of Ehrenberg has been searching amid 
the microscopic organisms contained in these substan- 
ces, for tokens of their origin. In the red material he 
finds forms betraying not an African, but an American 
source, presumed to be in the great plains of the Ama- 



PHISICAL GEOGRAPHY. 35 

zon and Orinoco. This suggests new views of the me- 
teorology of the world ; but the theories founded on it, 
are not clear of mechanical difficulties. 

If we stand on almost any shore of the world as it 
exists at present, and consider the character of the land 
surface on the one hand, and of the ocean bottom on the 
other, we shall see that a very great difference in the 
nature of the beach line would be produced by a de- 
pression of the land towards the ocean, or by an eleva- 
tion of it from the deep. The sea in its action on the 
bottom fills up hollows and obliterates precipices ; but 
a land sm^face is worn into ravines and valleys. Hence 
a depression, so that the waters overflowed the land, 
would admit them into its recesses, and river courses, 
and winding guUeys — forming bays, islands, and secure 
harbors. Whereas elevation would bring up from the 
bottom its sand-banks and plains, forming an extent of 
slightly winding and unsheltered shore. The character 
of a coast will therefore depend very greatly upon its 
former history, before it became fixed. We have this 
contrast in the eastern and western sides of the Adriatic, 
or in the western and eastern sides of the British 
islands. These circumstances are to some degree con- 
trolled by the effects of partial volcanoes, or of power- 
ful winds and currents. But on the whole, it may 
generally be inferred that a long unbroken shore indi- 
cates that the last change on the land level was one of 



36 AFRICA AND THE AJMERICAN FLAG. 

elevation; while a coast penetrated, broken, and de- 
fended by islands has received its conformation from 
being stopped in the process of subsiding. 

The coast of Africa has over almost its whole circuit, 
that unbroken or slightly indented outline which would 
arise from upheaval. The only conspicuous exception 
to this, is in the eastern region, neighboring on the 
Mozambique Channel, where the Portuguese and the 
Arab possess the advantage, so rare in Africa, of hav- 
ing at their command convenient and sheltered harbors. 
There are centres of partial volcanic agency in the 
islands of the Atlantic, north of the equator, and in 
the distant spots settled by Europeans outside of Mad- 
agascar ; but this action has not, as in the Mediterra- 
nean or Archipelago, modified the character of the 
continental shore. It is not known that there exists 
any active volcano on the continent. 

Africa, therefore, if it could be seen on a great model 
of the world, would offer little, comparatively, that was 
varied in outline or in aspect. There would be great 
tawny deserts, with scanty specks of dusky green, or 
threads of sombre verdure tracing out its scant and 
temporary streams. There would be forests concealing 
or embracing the mouths of rivers, with brown moun- 
tains here and there penetrating through them, but 
rarely presenting a lofty wall to the sea. Interior 
plains would show some glittering lakes, begirt by the 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 37 

jungle whicli they create. But it is a land nearly de- 
void of winter, either temporary or permanent. Only 
one or two specks, near the mouth of the Red Sea, and 
a short beaded line of the chain of Atlas, would throw 
abroad the silver splendor of perpetual snow. It is the 
great want of Africa, that so few mountains have on 
their heads these supplies for summer streams. 

The sea-shore is generally low, except as influenced 
by Atlas, or the Abyssinian ranges, or the mountains of 
the southern extremity. There is, not uncommonly, a 
flat swampy plain, bordering on the sea, where the 
rivers push out their deltas, or form lagoons by their 
conflict with the fierce surge upon the shore. Gene- 
rally at varying distances, there occur falls or rapids in 
the great rivers, showing that they are descending from 
interior plains of considerable elevation. The central 
regions seem, in fact, to form two, or perhaps three 
great elevated plateaux or terraced plains, having 
waters collected in their depressions, and joined by 
necks ; such as are the prairies of Illinois, between the 
St. Lawrence and the Mississippi, or the llanos of 
South America between its great rivers. The southern 
one of these African plains approaches close to the 
Atlantic near the Orange River. Starting there at the 
height of three thousand feet, it proceeds round the 
sources of the river, and spreads centrally along by 
the lately visited, but long known lakes north of the 



38 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tropic. The equinoctial portion of it is probably 
drained by tbe Zambeze and the Zaire, flowing in op- 
posite directions. It appears to be continuous as a 
neck westward of Kilmandjaro, the probable source 
of tbe ISTile ; "till it spreads out into the vast space ex- 
tending from Cape Yerde to Suez, including in it tbe 
l!^iger and tbe Nile, tbe great desert, and tbe collections 
of waters forming Lake Tzad, and sucb others as there 
may be towards Fitre. 

The mountains inclosing these spaces form a nearly 
continuous wall along the eastern side of Africa. The 
snows of Atlas form small streams, trickling down north 
and south ; and, in the latter case, struggling almost in 
vain with the tropical heats, in short courses, towards 
the Desert of Sahara. 

There are found separate groups of mountains, form- 
ing for the continent a broken margin on the west. 
There may also be an important one situated centrally 
between Lake Tzad and the Congo ; but there appears 
no probability of a transverse chain, stretching contin- 
uously across this region, as has hitherto had a place on 
maps, under the title of the " Mountains of the Moon." 

No geological changes, except those due to the eleva- 
tion of the oldest formations, appear to have taken 
place extensively in this continent. The shores of the 
Gulf of Guinea, and of the eastern regions, abound with 
gold, suggesting that their interior is not covered by 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 39 

modern rocks. The two extremities at Egypt and Cape 
of Good Hope, have been depressed to receive secondary 
and tertiary deposits. There may be other snch instan- 
ces ; bnt the continent seems, during a time, even geo- 
logically long, to have formed a great compact mass of 
land, bearing the same relations as now to the rest of 
the world. 

The valleys and precipices of Sonth Africa have been 
shaped by the mighty cmTents which circulate round 
the promontory of the Cape; and the flat summit of 
Table Mountain, at the height of three thousand six 
hundred feet, is a rocky reef, worn and fretted into 
strange projections by the surge, which the southeasters 
brought against it, when it was at the level of the 
sea. 

The present state of organized life in Africa tells the 
same tale. It indicates a land never connected with 
polar regions, nor subjected to great variations of tem- 
perature. Our continent, America, is a land of ex- 
tremes of temperature. Corresponding to that condition, 
it is a land characterized by plants, the leaves of which 
ripen and fall, so that vegetation has a pause, waiting 
for the breath of spring. All the plants of southern 
Africa are evergreens. The large browsing animals, 
such as the elephant and rhinoceros, which cannot stoop 
to gather grass, find continuous subsistence in the con- 
tinuous foliage of shrubs. America abounds with stags 



4:0 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

or deer — animals having deciduons horns or antlers. 
Southern Africa has none, but is rich in species of 
antelopes, which have true or permanent horns, and 
which nowhere sustain great variations of heat and cold. 
Its fossil plants correspond apparently in character to 
those which the country now bears. 

Its fossil zoology oifers very peculiar- and interesting 
provinces of ancient life. These have been in positions 
not greatly unconformable to those of similar phenom- 
ena even now. Great inland fresh-water seas have 
abounded with new and strange types of organization, 
in character and office analogous to the amphibious 
forms occurring with profusion in similar localities of 
the present interior. These, and representatives of the 
secondary formations, rest chiefly on the old Silurian 
and Devonian series, the upheaving of which seems to 
have given the continent its place and outline. Coal is 
found at JSTatal, near the Mozambique Channel, but not 
hitherto known to be of value. 

Africa still offers, and will long continue to offer, 
the most promising field of botanical discovery. Much 
novelty certainly remains to be elicited there, but it is 
very dilatory in finding its way abroad. Natal is the 
region most likely to be sedulously explored for some 
time. Yegetable ivory has been brought thence, and 
ela^ic, hard, useful timber abounds. Much lumber ot 
good and varied character is taken to Europe from the 



NATURAL HISTORY. 41 

western regions of the continent; bnt so greatly has 
scientific inqnirj been repelled by the deadly climate, 
that even the species affording it are nnknown, or donbt- 
fully guessed at. 

The vegetation of the sonth is brilliant, bnt not greatly 
nsefnl. It affords the type of that which covers the 
monntains, receding towards the northeast, until they 
reach perpetual snow near the equator. That which is 
of a more tropical character, stretches round their bases 
and through their valleys, with its profusion of palms, 
creepers, and dye-woods. These hereafter will form 
the commercial wealth of the country, affording oil, 
india-rubber, dye-stuffs, and other useful produc- 
tions. - ' 

The wild animals of Africa belong to plains and to 
loose thickets, rather than to timbered forests. There 
is a gradation in the height of the head, among the lar- 
ger quadrupeds, which indicates the sort of country and 
of vegetation suitable to them. 

The musket, with its " villanous saltpetre," in the 
hands of barbarians is everywhere expelling from the 
earth its bulkier creatures, so that the elephant is dis- 
appearing, and ivory will become scarce. Fear tames 
the wildest nature ; even the lion is timid when he has 
to face the musket. The dull ox has learned a lesson 
with regard to him ; for when the kingly brute prowls 
round an unyoked wagon resting at night, and his growl 



42 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

or smell makes tlie oxen sliake and struggle witli terror, 
they are quieted by tlie discharge of firearms. 

When Europeans first visited the shores of Africa, 
they were astonished at the tameness and abundance of 
unchecked animal life. The shallow bays and river 
lagoons were full of gigantic creatures ; seals were 
found in great numbers, but of all animals these seem 
the most readily extirpated. The multitudes which 
covered the reefs of South Africa are nearly gone, and 
they seem to be no longer met with on the northern 
shores of the continent. The manatee, or sea-cow, and 
the hippopotamus, frequented the mouths of rivers, and 
were killed and eaten by the natives. They had never 
tamed and used the elephant: that this might have 
been done is inferred from the use of these animals by 
the Carthaginians. But as the Carthaginian territory 
was not African in the strict sense of the term, it may be 
doubted whether their species was that of Central Af- 
rica. This latter species is a larger, less intelligent 
looking, and probably a more stubborn creature than 
the Asiatic. The roundness of their foreheads and the 
size of their ears give them a duller and more brutal 
look; the magnitude of their tusks, and the occur- 
rence of these formidable weapons in the female as 
well as in the male, are accommodated to the neces- 
sity of conflict with the lion, and indicate a wilder 
nature. 



NATURAL HISTORY. 43 

Lions of several species, abimdance of panthers, cats, 
genets, and hyenas of many forms, mainly constitute 
the carnivorous province, having, as is suitable to the 
climate, a high proportion of the hyena form, or devonr- 
ers of the dead. A foot of a pongo, or large ape, " as 
large as that of a man, and covered with hair an inch 
long," astonished one of the earliest navigators. This 
animal, which indicates a zoological relationship to the 
Malayan islands, is known to afford the nearest ap- 
proach to the human form. The monkey structure on 
the east coast of Africa tends to pass into the nocturnal 
or Lemurine forms of Madagascar, where the occurrence 
of an insulated Malayan language confirms the relation- 
ship indicated above. 

The plains with bushy verdure nourish the ostrich 
and many species of bustards over the whole continent. 
Among the creatures which range far are the lammer- 
geyer, or bearded eagle of the Alps, and the brown owl 
of Europe, extending to the extremity of the south. 
Among the paiTots and the smaller birds, congregating 
species abound, forming a sort of arboreal villages, or 
joint-stock lodging-houses. Sometimes hundreds of 
such dwellings are under one thatch, the entrances 
being below. The weaving birds suspend their bottle- 
shaped habitations at the extremities of limber branches, 
where they wave in the wind. This affords security 
from monkeys and snakes ; but they retain the instinct 



44 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

of forming them so when there is no danger from either 
the one or the other. 

Reptiles abound in Africa. The Pythons (or Boas) 
are formidable. Of the species of sei-pents probably 
between one-fom^th and one-fifth are poisonous; but 
every thing relating to them in the central regions re- 
quires to be ascertained. The l^atal crocodile is smaller 
than the Egyptian, but is greatly dreaded. 

The following instance of its ferocity occurred to the 
Rev. J. A. Butler, missionary, in crossing the Umko- 
mazi River, in February, 1853. " When about two-thirds 
of the way across, his horse suddenly kicked and plunged 
as if to disengage himself from the rider, and the next 
moment a crocodile seized Mr. Butler's thigh with his 
horrible jaws. The river at this place is about one 
hundred and fifty yards wide, if measm^ed at right an- 
gles to the current ; but from the place we entered to 
the place we go out, the distance is three times as 
great. The water at high tide, and when the river is 
not swollen, is from four to eight or ten feet deep. On 
each side the banks are skirted with high grass and 
reeds. Mr. Butler, when he felt the sharp teeth of the 
crocodile, clung to the mane of his horse with a death 
hold. Instantly he was dragged from the saddle, and 
both he and the horse were floundering in the water, 
often di'agged entirely under, and rapidly going down 
the stream. At first the crocodile drew them again to 



NATURAL HISTORY. 45 

the middle of the river, but at last the horse gained 
shallow water, and approached the shore. As soon as 
he was within reach natives ran to his assistance, and 
beat off the crocodile with spears and clnbs. Mr. But- 
ler was pierced with five deep gashes, and had lost 
much blood." 



4:6 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 



CHAPTEE Y. 

AFRICAN NATIONS DISTRIBUTION OF RACES ARTS MANNERS 

AND CHARACTER SUPERSTITIONS TREATMENT OF THE DEAD 

REGARD FOR THE SPIRITS OF THE DEPARTED WITCH- 
CRAFT ORDEAL MILITARY FORCE AMAZONS CANNIBAL- 
ISM, 

Whence came the African races, and liow did they 
get where they are ? These are questions not easily 
answered, and are snch as might have been put with 
the same hesitation, and in view of the same puzzling 
circnmstances, three thousand years ago. On the mon- 
uments of Thebes, in Upper Egypt, of the times of 
Thothmes III., three varieties of the African form of 
man are distinctly portrayed. There is the ruling race 
of Egypt, red-skinned and massy-browed. There are 
captives not unlike them, but of a paler color, with 
their hair tinged blue ; and there is the negro, bearing 
his tribute of skins, living animals, and ivory ; with the 
white eyeball, reclining forehead, woolly hair, and 
other normal characteristics of his type. 

Provided that these representations are correct, and 
that the colors have not changed, the Egyptian has 



AFRICAN NATIONS. 47 

been greatly modified as to his tint of skin ; whether we 
consider them as represented by the Copts, or the Fellahs 
of that conntry at present, the former bearing clearer 
traces of the more ancient form. The population of 
Africa, as it is at present, seems to be chiefly derivable 
from the other two races. There are, however, circum- 
stances difficnlt to reconcile, in the present state of om' 
knowledge, with any hypothesis as to the dispersion 
of man. 

Southern and equatorial Africa includes tribes speak- 
ing dialects of two widely-spread tongues. One of 
them, the Zingian, or the Zambezan, is properly dis- 
tinguished by the excess to which it carries repetition 
of certain signs of thought, giving to inflections a char- 
acter dificrent from what they exhibit in any other lan- 
guage. This tongue, however, bears, in other respects, 
a strong relationship to the many, but, perhaps, not mu- 
tually dissimilar dialects, of northern Africa. It may 
be considered as the form of speech belonging to the 
true or most normally developed African race. 

The other of these two tongues oflers also circum- 
stances of peculiar interest. We may consider it, first, 
as it is found in use by the Hottentot or Bushman race, 
of South Africa. It has even among them regular and 
well-constructed forms of inflection, and as distinguishing 
it from the negro dialects, it has the sexual form of gen- 
der, or that which arises from the poetical or personify- 



48 AFRICA AJJTD THE AMERICAIT FLAG. 

ing view of all objects — considering tliem as endowed 
with life, and dividing them into males and females. 
In this respect it is analogous to the Galla, the Abys- 
sinian, and the Coptic. I^ay, at this distant extremity 
of Africa, not only is the form of gender thus the same 
with that of the people who raised the wonderful mon- 
uments of Egypt, but that monumental tongue has its 
signs of gender, or the terminations indicating that 
relation, identical with those of the Hottentot race. 

"We have, therefore, the evidence of a race of men, 
striking through the other darker ones, on perhaps 
nearly a central line, from one end of the continent to 
the other. The poor despised Bushman, forming for 
himself, with sticks and grass, a lair among the low- 
spreading branches of a protea, or nestling at sunset in 
a shallow hole, amid the warm sand of the desert, with 
wife and little ones like a covey of birds, sheltered by 
some ragged sheepskins from the dew of the clear sky, 
has an ancesti^al and mental relationship to the builder 
of the pyramids and the colossal temples of Egypt, and 
to the artists who adorned them. He looks on nature 
with a like eye, and stereotypes in his language the 
same conclusions derived from it. He has in his words 
vivified external things, as they did, according to that 
form which, in our more logical tongues, we name po- 
etical metaphor. The sun — " Soorees" — is to him a 
female, the productive mother of all organic life ; and 



DISTRIBUTION OF RACES. 49 

rivers, as Kuis-eep, Gar-eep, are endowed with mas- 
culine activity and strength. 

To this scattered family of man, which ought prop- 
erly to be called the Ethiopio race, as distinguished 
from the negro, may probably be ascribed the fierce 
invasions from the centre, eastward and westward, un- 
der the names of Galla Giagas, and other appellations, 
which occasionally convulsed both sides of Africa ; and, 
perhaps, by intermixture of races, gave occasion to 
much of the diversity found among native tribes, in dis- 
position, manners, and language. The localities occu- 
pied by it have become insulated through the intrusion 
of the negro. Its southern division, or the Hottentot 
tribes, were being pressed off into an angle, and ap- 
parently in the process of extinction or absorption by 
the Zambezan Kaffirs from the north and east, when 
Europeans met and rolled them away into a small cor- 
ner of desert. 

Egypt was evidently the artery through which popu- 
lation poured into the broad expanse of Africa. That 
the pr6genitors of the negro race first entered there, 
and that another race followed subsequently, is one 
mode of disposing of the question, which, however, only 
removes its difficulties a little farther back. 

This supposition is unnecessary. Any number of 
human families living together, comprises varieties of 
constitution, affording a source from Avhich, by the force 

3 



50 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

of external circumstances, the extreme variations may 
be educed. If we examine critically tlie representa- 
tions of the oldest inhabitants of Egypt, we shall see in 
the form of man which they exhibit, a combination of 
characteristics, or a provision for breaking into vari- 
eties corresponding to the conditions of external natm-e 
in the interior regions. 

The dissatisfied, the turbulent, the defeated and the 
criminal would in these earliest times be thrown off 
from a settled community in Egypt, to penetrate into 
the southern and western regions. They would gene- 
rally die there. Many ages of such attempts might 
pass before those individuals reached the marshes of 
the great central plateau, whose constitutions suited 
that position. Many of them, moreover, would die 
childless. Early death to the adult, and certain death 
to the immature, would sweep families off, as the 
streams bounding from southern Atlas intrude on the 
desert, and perish there. The many immigrants to 
whom all external things were adverse would be con- 
stantly weeded out ; so it would be for generation after 
generation, until the few remained, whom heat, expo- 
sure, toil, marsh vapor, and fever left as an assorted 
and acclimated root of new nations. 

Such seems to have been the process in Africa by 
which a declension of our nature took place from Egypt 
in two directions ; one through the central plains down 



ARTS AND MANNERS. 61 

to the marshes of the Gaboon or the Congo river, where 
the aberrant peculiarities of the negro seem most de- 
yeloped ; and the other along the momitains, by the ISHIq 
and the Zambeze, until the Ethiopian sank into the 
Hottentot. 

The sea does not deal kindly with Africa, for it 
wastes or guards the shores with an almost unconquer- 
able surf. Tides are small, and rivers not safely pene- 
trable. The ocean offered to the negro nothing b'.it a 
little food, procured with some trouble and much dan- 
ger. •Hence ocean commerce was unknown to them. 
Only in the smallest and most wretched canoes did 
they venture forth to catch a few fish. If strangers 
sought for regions of prosperity, riches, or powerful 
government, their views were directed to the interior. 
Benin, in 1484, confessed its subordination to a great 
internal sovereign, who only gave responses from be- 
hind a curtain, or permitted one of his feet to be visi- 
ble to his dependents, as a mark of gracious favor. It 
was European commerce in gold and slaves, received 
for the coveted goods and arms they bought, which ul- 
timately gave these monarchs an interest in the sea- 
shore. 

Cruelty and oppression were everywhere, as they 
still are. It is not easy for us to conceive how a living 
man can be moulded to the unhesitating submission in 
which a negro subject lives, so that it should be to him 



52 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

a satisfaction to live and die, or suffer or rejoice, just 
as his sovereign wills. It can be accounted for only 
from tlie prevalence and the desolating fury of wars, 
which, rendered perfect uniformity of will and move- 
ment indispensable for existence. It is not so easy to 
offer any probable reason for the eagerness to share in 
cruelty which glows in a negro's bosom. Its appalling 
character consisted rather in the amount of bloodshed 
which gratified the negro, than in the studious prolon- 
gation of pain. He offers in this respect a contrast to 
the cold, demoniac vengeance of the North Ameri- 
can Lidian. Superstition probably excused or justi- 
fied to him some of his worst practices. Human sac- 
rifices have been common everywhere. There was no 
scruple at cruelty when it was convenient. The mouths 
of the victims were gagged by knives run through their 
cheeks ; and captives among the southern tiibes were 
beaten with clubs in order to prevent resistance, or " to 
take away their strength," as the natives expressed it, 
that they might be more easily hurried to the "hill of 
•death," or authorized place of execution. 

The negro arts are respectable, and would have been 
more so had not disturbance and waste come with the 
slave-trade. They weave coarse narrow cloths, and dye 
them. They work in wood and metals. The gold 
chains obtained at Wydah, of native manufacture, are 
well wrought. N^othing can be more correctly formed 



ARTS AND CUSTOMS. 63 

for its purpose tliaii the small barbed lancet-looking 
point of a Bushman's arrow. Those who shave their 
heads or beards have a neat, small razor, double-edged, 
or shaped like a shovel. Arts improve from the coast 
towards the northeast. 

Their normal form of a house is ronnd, with a coni- 
cal roof. The pastoral people of the south have it of 
a beehive form, covered with mats ; the material is 
rods and flags. If the whole negro nations, however, 
were swept away, there would not remain a monument 
on the face of their continent to tell that such a race of 
men had occupied it. 

One curious relation to external nature seems to have 
prevailed throughout all Africa, consisting in a special 
reverence, among different tribes, for certain selected 
objects. From one of these objects the tribe frequently 
derives its national appellation : if it is a living thing, 
they avoid killing it or using it as food. Serpents, 
particularly the gigantic pythons or boas, are every- 
where reverenced. Some traces of adoration oftered 
to the sun have been met with on the west coast ; but, 
generally speaking, the superstitions of Africa are far 
less intellectual. These and many of their other prac- 
tices have a common characteristic in the disappear- 
ance of all trace of their origin among the tribes ob- 
serving them. To all inquiries they have the answer 
ready, that their fathers did so. There is in this, how- 



54 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ever, no great assurance of real antiquity, for tradition 
extends but a short way back. 

A reliance on grisgris, or amulets, worn about the 
person, belongs to Africa, perhaps from very ancient 
ages. Egypt was probably its somxe : a kind of litera- 
ry character has been given to it by the Mohammedans. 
Throughout inland central Africa, sentences written on 
scraps of paper or parchment have a marketable value. 
An impostor or devotee may gain authority and profit 
in this way. As we pass southward we find this super- 
stition sinking lower and lower in debasement : men 
there really cover or load themselves with all kinds of 
trumpery, and have a real and hearty confidence in 
bones, buttons, scraps, or almost any conceivable thing, 
as a security against any conceivable evil. The Kroo- 
men, even, with their purser's names, of Jack Crowbar^ 
Head Man^ and Flying- Jib^ Bottle of JBeer^ Pea Soicp^ 
Poor Fellow^ Prince Will^ and others, taken on board 
the " Perry," in Monrovia, were found now and then 
with their sharks', tigers' and panthers' teeth, and small 
shells, on their ankles and wrists; although most of 
these people, from contact with the Liberians, have 
seen the folly of this practice, and dispensed with their 
charms. 

The Africans also have stationary /ez^^'sA^s, consisting 
in sacred places and sacred things. They have prac- 
tices to inspire terror, or gain reverence in respect to 



SUPERSTITIONS AND FETISH. 55 

wliicL. it is somewliat difficult to decide whether the 
actors in them are impostors or sincere. Idols in the 
forms of men, rude and frightful enough, are among 
these fetishes, but it cannot be said that idolatry of this 
kind prevails extensively in the country. 

In two respects they look towards the invisible : they 
dread a superhuman power, and they fear and worship 
it as being a measureless somxe of evil. It is scarcely 
correct to call this Devil-worship, for this is a title of 
contrast, presuming that there has been a choice of the 
evil in preference to the good. The fact in their case 
seems to be, that good in will, or good in action, are 
ideas foreign to their minds. Selfishness cannot be 
more intense, nor more exclusive of all kindness and 
generosity or charitable affection, than it is generally 
found among these barbarians. The inconceivableness 
of such motives to action has often been found a strong 
obstacle to the influence of the Christian missionary. 
They can worship nothing good, because they have no 
expectation of good from any thing powerful. They 
have mysterious words or mutterings, equivalent to 
what we term incantations, which is the meaning of 
the Portuguese word from which originated the term 
fetish. 

The other reference of their intellect to invisible 
things consists in acknowledging the continued exist- 
ence of the dead, and paying reverence to the spirits of 



56 AmiCA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

their forefathers. This leads to great cruelty. Men of 
rank at their death are presumed to require attendance, 
and be gratified with companionship. This eyent, there- 
fore, produces the murder of wives and slaves, to afford 
them suitable escort and service in the other world. 
From the strange mixture of the material and spiritual 
common to men in that barbarian condition, the bodies 
or the blood of the slain appear to be the essentials of 
these requirements. Thus, also, the utmost horror is 
felt at decapitation, or at the severing of limbs from the 
body after death. It is revenge, as much as desire to 
perpetuate the remembrance of victory, which makes 
them eager for the skulls and jaw-bones of their ene- 
naies, so that in a royal metropolis, walls, and floors, 
and thrones, and walking-sticks, are everywhere lower- 
ing with the hollow eyes of the dead. These sad, bare 
and whitened emblems of mortality and revenge pre- 
sent a curious and startling spectacle, cresting and fes- 
tooning the red clay walls of Kmnassi, the Ashantee 
capital. 

Such belief leads to strange vagaries in practice. 
They sympathize with the departed, as subject still to 
common wants and ruled by common affections. A 
negro man of Tahou would show his regard for the de- 
sires of the dead by sitting patiently to hold a spread 
umbrella over the head of a corpse. The dead man's 
mouth, too, was stuffed with rice and fowl, and in cold 



TREATMENT OF THE DEAD. 57 

weather a fire was kept burning in the hut for the bene- 
fit of their deceased friend. Thej consulted his love of 
ornament, also, for the top of his head and his brow 
were stained red, his nose and cheeks yellow, and 
the lower jaw white ; and fantastic figures of different 
colors were daubed over his black body. 

Dingaan, the Zulu chief, was exceedingly fond of 
ornament. He used to boast that the Zulus were the 
only people who understood dress. Sometimes he came 
forward painted with all kinds of stripes and crosses, in 
a very bizarre style. The people took all this gravely, 
saying that "he was king and could do what he 
pleased," and they were content with his taste. It is 
this unreflecting character which astounds us in sav- 
ages. They never made it a question whether the 
garniture of the king or of the corpse had any thing 
unsuitable. 

All along the coasts, from the equator to the north of 
the Gulf of Guinea, they did not eat without throwing 
a portion on the ground for those who had died. Some- 
times they dug a small hole for these purposes, or they 
had one in the hut, and into it they pom-ed what they 
thought would be acceptable. They conceived that 
they had sensible evidence of the inclinations of the 
dead. In lifting up or carrying a coi^pse on their 
shoulders, men may not attend to the exact direction 
of their own muscular movements or those of their as- 

3* 



68 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

sociates. There are necessarily sliocks, jolts and strug- 
gles, from tlie movements of their associates. People 
will, in some cases, piill different ways when hustled 
together. All these unconscious movements, not unlike 
the " table turnings" of the present era, were taken as 
expressive of the will of the dead man, as to how and 
whither he was to be carried. 

Tlieir belief, as we have seen, influenced their life : 
it was earnest and heartfelt. When the king of Wydah, 
in 1694, heard that Smith, the chief of the English 
factory, was dangerously ill with fever, he sent his 
fetishman to aid in the recover}^. The priest went to 
the sick man, and solemnly announced that he came to 
save him. He then marched to the white man's burial- 
ground with a provision of brandy, oil, and rice, and 
made a loud oration to those that slept there. " O you 
dead white people, you wish to have Smith among you ; 
but om' king likes him, and it is not his will to let him 
go to be among you." Passing on to the grave of 
Wybum, the founder of the factory, he addressed him, 
" You, captain of all the whites who are here ! Smith's 
sickness is a piece of your work. You want his com- 
pany, for he is a good man ; but our king does not 
want to lose him, and you can't have him yet." Then 
digging a hole over the grave, he poured into it the 
articles which he had brought, -and told him that if he 
needed these things, he gave them with good- will, but 



WITCHCRAFT AND ORDEAL. 59 

he must not expect to get Smith. The factor died, not- 
withstanding. The ideas here are not very dissimilar 
to those of the old Greeks. 

It is remarkable, however, that in tracing this negro 
race along the continent towards the south, we find 
these notions and practices to fade away, and at last 
disappear. Southeast of the desert, along the Orange 
River, there is scarcely a trace of them. 

The dread of witchcraft prevails universally. In 
general, the occurrence of disease is ascribed to this 
source. In the north they fear a supematm^al in- 
fluence ; in the south this is traced to no super- 
human origin, but is conceived to be a power which 
any one may possess and exercise. Among these tribes, 
the man presumed to be guilty of this crime is a public 
enemy (as were the witches occasionally found . among 
our own venerated pious, and public-spirited puritan 
forefathers — a blemish in their character due to the gene- 
ral ignorance of the age), to be removed if possible, as 
a lion, tiger, or pestilence would be annihilated. Even 
the force of civilized law, when introduced among 
them, has not saved a man under this stigma from be- 
ing secretly murdered by the terrified people. It has 
yielded only to the enlightening influence of Christian 
missionaries. 

These delusions are often rendered the support of 
tyranny by the chiefs, for the property of the accused 



60 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

is confiscated. Scenes sad and liomble are exhibited 
as the consequence of a chief's illness. In order to 
force a discovery of the means employed, and to get 
the witchcraft counteracted, some native, who is gene- 
rally rich enough to be worth plundering, is seized and 
tortured, until, as an old author expresses it, " he dies, 
or the chief recovers." They extend the horror of the 
infliction, by calling in the aid of vermin life, destined in 
nature to devour corruption,by scattering handfiils of ants 
over the scorched skin and quivering flesh of their victim. 

Generally among the Guinea negroes, the ordeal em- 
ployed to detect this crime, is to compel the accused to 
drink a decoction of sassy-wood. This may be rendered 
hamiless or destructive, according to the object of the 
fetishman. It is oftener his purpose to destroy than to 
save, and great cruelty has in almost all cases been 
found to accompany the trial. 

Plunder is the reward of the soldier. In the central 
regions this was increased by the sale of captives. 
Captives of both sexes were the chief's property. Thus 
the warriors looked to the acquisition of wives from the 
chief, as the recompense of successful wars. They an- 
nounced this as their aim in their preparatory songs. 
The chief was, therefore, to them the source of every 
thing. Their whole thought responded to his move- 
ments, and sympathized with his greatness and success. 

Women in Africa are everywhere slaves, or the 



POSITION OF THE WOMEK . 61 

slaves of slaves. The burdens of agricultural labor fall 
on them. When a chief is announced as having hun- 
dreds or thousands of wives, it signifies really that he 
has so many female slaves. There does not appear tx) 
be any tribe in Africa, in which it is not the rule of 
society, that a man may have as many such wives as he 
can procure. The number is of course, except in the 
case of the supreme chief, but few. The female retinue 
of a sovereign partakes everywhere of the reverence 
due to its head. The chief and his household are a 
kind of divinity to the people. Plis name is the seal 
of their oath. The possibility of his dying must never 
be expressed, nor the name of death uttered in his 
presence. l!Tames of things appearing to interfere with 
the sacredness of his, must be changed. His women 
must.not be met or looked at. 

In war, as long as success depends alone on in- 
dividual prowess, the strong and athletic only can be 
successful soldiers. Where the weapons, rather than 
the person are the source of power, docility and en- 
durance are qualities more valuable than strength. In 
these the weaker sex, in savage life, surpasses the other ; 
hence women have appeared in the world as soldiers. 
It was probably the introduction of the arrow, killing 
at a distance, as superior in effect and safety to the rude 
clubs and spears of earlier conflict, which originated 
the Amazons of old history. 'The same fact is resulting 



62 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

in Africa from the introduction of the musket. Females 
thus armed were found, commonly as rojal guards, in 
the beginning of the last century. The practice still 
continues in the central regions. 

In Dahomey a considerable proportion of the na- 
tional troops consists of armed and disciplined females. 
They are known as being royal women, strictly and 
watchfully kept from any communication with men, 
and seem to have been ti^ained, through discipline and 
the force of co-operation, to the accomplishment of en- 
terprises, from which the tumultuous warriors of a 
native army would shrink. A late English author 
(Duncan) says, " I have seen them, all well armed, and 
generally fine, strong, healthy women, and doubtless 
capable of enduring great fatigue. They seem to use 
the long Danish musket with as much ease as one of our 
grenadiers does his firelock, but not of course with the 
same quickness, as they are not tramed to any particu- 
lar exercise ; but on receiving the word, make an attack 
like a pack of hounds, with great swiftness. Of course 
they would be useless against disciplined troops, if at 
all approaching to the same numbers. Still their ap- 
pearance is more martial than the generality of the 
men, and if undertaking a campaign, I should prefer 
the female to the male soldiers of this country." 

The same author thus describes a field review of 
these Amazons, which he witnessed : " I was conducted 



AMAZON REVIEW. 63 

to a large space of broken ground, where fourteen days 
had been occupied in erecting three immense prickly 
piles of green bush. These three clumps or piles, of a 
sort of strong brier or thorn, armed with the most dan- 
gerous prickles, were placed in line, occupying about 
fom- hundred yards, leaving only a narrow passage be- 
tween them, sufficient merely to distinguish each clump 
appointed to each regiment. These piles were about 
seventy feet wide and eight feet high. Upon examin- 
ing them, I could not persuade myself that any human 
being without boots or shoes would, under any circum- 
stances, attempt to pass over so dangerous a collection 
of the most efficiently armed plants I had ever seen." 

The Amazons wear a blue striped cotton sm^tout, 
manufactured by the natives, and a pair of trowsers fall- 
ing just below the knee. The cartridge-box is girded 
around the loins. 

• The drums and trumpets soon announced the ap- 
proach of three or four thousand Amazons. "The Apa- 
doniey soldiers (female) made their appearance at about 
two hundred yards from, or in front of, the first pile, 
where they halted with shouldered arms. In a few 
seconds the word for attack was given, and a rush was 
made towards the pile with a speed beyond conception, 
and in less than one minute the whole body had passed 
over this immense pile, and had taken the supposed 
town. Each of the other piles was passed with the 



64: AFHICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

same rapidity, at intervals of twenty minutes." " When 
a person is killed in battle, the skin is taken from the 
head, and kept as a trophy of valor. I counted seven 
hundred scalps pass in this manner. The captains of 
each corps (female), in passing, again presented them- 
selves before his majesty, and received the king's ap- 
proval of their conduct." These heroines, however, 
say that they are no longer women, but men. 

The people of Ashantee and Dahomey are consider- 
ably in advance of those on the coast. They cultivate 
the soil extensively, manufacture cotton cloth, and 
build comparatively good houses. They have musical 
instruments, which, if rude, are loud enough. Their 
drums and horns add to the stateliness of their cere- 
monies. Of such exhibitions they are very fond, and 
consider it a national honor if they can render them 
impressive to strangers. The Dahomeans are about 
one hundred miles in the interior, west of the E'iger. . 

^N'ecessity has occasionally driven some of the south- 
ern tribes to adopt the practice of cannibalism. There 
it has ever excited horror and disgust. Those who 
have practised it are distinguished by an appellation 
setting them apart from other men. Among some of 
the central tribes it has prevailed rather, however, in 
all appearance, from superstitious motives, or as an 
exhibition of triumphant revenge, than in the revolting 
form which it assumes among some of the Polynesian 
islanders. 



CHAPTEE YI. 

TRADE METALS MINES VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS GUMS 

OIL COTTON DYE-STUFFS. 

The trade of Africa for an almost indefinite time 
must consist of tlie materials for mannfactnres. 

The fact that old formations reposing on granite, or 
distorted by it, form a large proportion of its geological 
surface, indicates that useful metals will probably be 
found in abundance. In comparing it with California 
and Australia as to the probability of finding deposits 
of the more valuable metals, two circumstances of great 
importance must be kept in view. These countries 
were possessed by natives who had no domesticated 
animals, and therefore were not called upon to exercise 
over the soil the same inquisitive inspection for her- 
bage and water as were required from the races among 
the mountains and deserts of Africa, so that the chances 
of finding any thing were not the same. 

The other circumstance is, that metals were compar- 
atively little known to the aborigines of California, and 
not at all to those of New Holland, so that discoveries 
of the kind would neither be sought for, nor reckoned 
of much value when they occurred. On the other 



66 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG 

hand, metals of all kinds have duiing indefinite eras 
been regarded as of high importance, and have been 
"used in various ways by the African nations. Copper, 
and some alloys of it, seem to be nsed for ornaments 
throughout the whole south. These are smelted from 
the ores by the natives. They also manufacture their 
own iron. Their desires, therefore, and their necessi- 
ties, and their arts, render it probable that no deposits 
of metals exist, except such as require scientific skill to 
discover, and mechanical resources to procure. 

Gold is not in this predicament. Wherever it oc- 
cm"S in abundance, it has been collected by elemental 
waste from disintegrated rocks, and is mixed with 
gravel and alluvial matters in those portions where 
men of nomadic habits, and familiar with metal orna- 
ments, would most readily meet and appropriate it. 
Some, probably a great proportion, of the gold of an- 
cient Egypt, was got by a laborious process of grinding, 
on which their wi^etched captives were employed. 
This would not have been the case if the metal had 
been found plentifully throughout the extensive regions 
with which they were acquainted. 

An addition to the metallic riches of the world from 
Africa, is therefore to be looked for in the discoveiy 
of deep-seated mines, if there are any, and in better 
modes of working those which exist, particularly the 
alluvial deposits of gold along the northern shores of 



ARTICLES OF EXPORT. 67 

the Gulf of Guinea and the shores of the Mozambique 
Channel. The present export of gold from all Africa, 
probably amounts to about two millions of dollars per 
annum. 

The vegetable articles of export are of great value. 
Cotton may be produced in unlimited abundance. The 
African dye-stuifs are already recognized as extensive 
and valuable articles of commerce. Indigo is used ex- 
tensively by the natives. "When we recollect that the 
vast trade of Bengal in this article has been created 
within the memory of men still living, and that India 
possesses no natural advantages beyond those of Africa, 
we may infer what a profusion of wealth might be 
poured raj^idly over Africa by peace and good govern- 
ment. 

Gums, of various kinds, constitute a branch of trade 
which may be considered as only commencing. The 
extensive employment of india-rubber, and the knowl- 
edge of gutta-percha, are only a few years old. Africa 
gives promise of a large supply of such articles. Its 
caoutchouc has already been introduced into the arts.'^ 

* The Rev. J. Leighton Wilson, who was a missionary of the Ameri- 
can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, at Cape Palmas and 
at the Gaboon River for more than twenty years, first called attention 
to a vine, or creeper, as affording india-rubber. It is now collected from 
this plant in the Gaboon district; and two or three cargoes have al- 
ready been shipped to this country, with a prospect of its becoming a 
lucrative article of trade. We may look to intelligent missionaries, 
like Mr. Wilson, for securing such benefits to traffic and art, as well 



68 APRICA AM) THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

It may be long before the natural sources of supply 
found in its marshy forests can be exhausted. Be that 
as it may; when men are induced, as perhaps they 
soon will be, to substitute regular cultivation for the 
wild and more irregular modes of procming articles 
which are becoming every day of more essential im- 
portance, Africa may take a great share in the means 
adopted to supply them. 

Palm-oil has become pre-eminently an object of at- 
tention. The modes of procuring it are very rude and 
wasteful. The palm-nuts are generally left for a day or 
two, heaped together in a hole dug in the ground. They 
are then trodden by the women, till they form a greasy 
pulp ; out of this the oil is rudely strained through their 
fingers, or water is run into the hole to float the oil, 
and it is skimmed off with their hands into a calabash. 
In Benin they employ the better mode of boiling it off. 
The oil occm-s in a kind of pulp smTounding the seed, 
as is the case with the eatable part of the common date ; 
it is evident, therefore, that more suitable modes of pro- 
ducing it may be put in practice. 

What may be done in the production of sugar and 
coffee, no man can tell. James Macqueen, who has, 
during great part of his life, devoted his attention to 

as to science and literature. We are glad to learn that he contemplates 
an extended work on Africa, which will no doubt be highly acceptable 
to the public. 



DYE-STUFFS AND COTTON. 69 

the condition and interests of Africa, gave evidence be- 
fore a committee of the British Honse of Peers, in 1850, 
to the following effect: "There is scarcely any ti'opical 
production known in the world, which does not come to 
joerfection in Africa. There are many productions 
which are peculiarly her own. The dye-stuffs and dye- 
woods are superior to any which are known in any other 
quarter of the world, inasmuch as they resist both acids 
and light, things which we know no other dye-stuffs, 
from any other parts of the world, can resist. Then 
there is the article of sugar, that can be produced in 
every part of Africa to an unlimited extent. There is 
cotton also, above all things — cotton of a quality so 
fine ; it is finer cotton than any description of cotton 
we know of in the world. Common cotton in Af- 
rica I have seen, and had in my possession, which was 
equal to the finest quality of American cotton. 

" Egyptian cotton is not so good as the cotton away 
to the south ; but the cotton produced in the southern 
parts of Africa is peculiarly fine. Africa is a most ex- 
traordinary country. In the eastern horn of Africa, 
Avhich you think to be a desolate wilderness, there is the 
finest countiy, and the finest climate I know. I know 
of none in South America equal to the climate of the 
country in the northeastern horn of Africa. It is a very 
elevated country ; a.nd on the upper regions you have all 
the fruits, and flowers, and grain of Europe growing ; and 



70 • AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

in the valleys you have the finest frnits of the torrid 
zone. The whole country is covered with myrrh and 
frankincense ; it is covered with flocks and herds ; it 
produces abundance of the finest grain. llTear- Brasa, 
for instance, on the river Webbe, you can purchase as 
much fine wheat for a dollar as will serve a man for a 
year. All kinds of European grain flourish there. In 
Enarea and Kafia, the whole country is covered with 
cofiee ; it is the original country of the coffee. You can 
purchase an ass's load (200 lbs.) of coffee in the berry 
for about a dollar. The greater portion of the coffee 
that we receive from Mocha, is actually African coffee, 
produced in that part." 



CHAPTEE YII. 

EUROPEAN COLONIES PORTUGUESE REMAINING INFLUENCE 

OF THE PORTUGUESE SLAVE FACTORIES ENGLISH COL- 
ONIES TREATIES "WITH THE NATIVE CHIEFS INFLUENCE OF 

SIERRA LEONE DESTRUCTION OF BARRACOONS INFLUENCE 

OF ENGLAND CHIEFS ON THE COAST ASHANTEE KING OF 

DAHOMEY, 

The Portuguese commercial discoverers having suc- 
ceeded those of France, and founded trading establish- 
ments on the coast of Africa, were driven from the sea- 
shore by the rivalry and pov^er of the Dutch and the 
English, about the year 1604. They retired into the 
interior, and commingled with the negroes. From their 
intermarriages arose a race of mnlattoes, who have long 
exercised considerable influence. As early as 1667", 
this influence had become detrimental to commerce and 
discovery. They closed against others the entrances to 
the great region of more elevated lands, and carried on 
trade, without rivals, from Benin to Senegambia, over 
two thousand miles. They had generally little chapels 
near their houses, and spared no pains to make prose- 
lytes. 

How much might these men have done for the good 



T2 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAiN" FLAG. 

of Africa and the progress of the world ! Following 
their lines of commerce, and cresting the high lands, 
which feed, with rains and rivulets, the Gambia and 
the ]S'iger, as well as the streams by which they dwell, 
they might have saved two centuries of doubt and haz- 
ardous attempts, and much sacrifice of good and tal- 
ented men. They might earlier have let in Christian 
civilization to repel the Moslem and redeem the negro. 
Portuguese influence is gone, and has left the world lit- 
tle reason to regret its extinction. On the rising and 
almost impervious forest-lands which are at the distance 
of from twenty to fifty miles back from the coast, these 
Portuguese mulattoes are still found, watching for their 
monopoly, with the same jealous exclusiveness as of 
old. These forests thus inhabited, form, at present, a 
serious obstacle to the extension of the influence of Li- 
beria. An enterprising people, however, occupying the 
great tracts of cleared lands along the coast, which con- 
stitute the actual territories of the rej)ublic, will, with 
the progress of the settlements, and the increase of 
their power, soon be enabled, notwithstanding the short 
navigable distance of the rivers, to open communication 
with the far interior. 

The Portuguese founded cities and missions. A 
more extensive authority was gained by them over 
great and populous regions, both on the eastern and 
western shores, than has been attained by any other 



PORTUGUESE INFLUENCE. 73 

people. The title of " Lord of Guinea" was fairly claimed 
for the King of Portugal, by the establishment of this 
sovereign's supremacy over various native kingdoms. 
But Portugal wanted the light and strength of a nation 
— a righteous and intelligent policy. 

The establishments on the east coast now scarcely 
keep their ground, ever shrinking before the barbarian 
and the Arab. St. Paul de Loando, on the southwest 
coast, is shrivelled down from its former greatness. 
Both regions have rich capabilities ; both might have 
extended a useful influence, until they met and em- 
braced in the centre, uniting these vast regions with the 
great movements of human progress ; but they clung to 
the slave-trade, and its curse has clung to them. 

They misunderstood human nature, and overlooked 
its high destiny. Of the Spaniards and Portuguese 
concerned in slaving. Captain Dunlop, of the British 
Kavy, long attached to the English squadron on the 
African coast, says : " They speak of the African as a 
brute, who is only fit to be made a slave of, and say 
that it is quite chimerical and absurd in us to attempt 
to put down the trade, or to defend men who were only 
born to be slaves." 

Other nations only founded slave factories. Every 
thing peculiar to this influence was bad. Compared 
with the ounces of gold and tusks of ivory which drew 
the cupidity of early navigators, there arose everywhere 

4 



T4 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

a traffic, far more rapid, but it was that of cruelty, 
bringing with it vice. Brandy and arms, drunkenness 
and war, followed as the remuneration of rapine and 
slaving. Tlie gross vices of Europe added to tbe mis- 
chief. Legitimate trade, whicb might have flourished 
for centuries, withered ; and the rank which the white 
man held among the natives, made him a source of 
wide corruption. Little good could come out of the 
state of society in Europe during the last century, for 
little good was in it. This state of things has improved. 

The three nations whose interference seems likely to 
have a conspicuous effect upon the interests of Africa in 
the future, are France^ England^ and the United States. 

France will have all the Mediterranean shore, and 
the caravan trade across the deserts. But this will 
diminish in activity and value, as the trade of the other 
shores extends, and as the way across from them to the 
interior becomes easier. No great influence can, there- 
fore, be in this way exercised over the prosperity of the 
African people. 

England holds the soath ; but the natives around the 
Cape of Good Hope are greatly isolated from the interior 
by deserts and climates hostile to Em-opean life. De- 
mocracy has a footing there, inasmuch as Dutch colo- 
nists have retired from under English jurisdictio«, and 
formed a government for themselves, which has been 
acknowledged by England. After sufi^ering, and trial, 



FRENCH AND ENGLISH INFLUENCE. 75 

and privation shall have taught independence of thought 
and patriotism, a respectable confederacy of states may 
be formed in these regions. 

Every effort that is just and suitable, is made to ex- 
tend English influence along the shores of negro lands. 
The expenditm'e in endeavoring to extirpate the slave- 
trade is very great ; and great devotedness and heroism 
have been seen in attempts to explore the interior. 
Both objects are drawing towards completion ; but the 
permanently beneficial influence of England rests on the 
establishment of Sierra Leone and the extended coasting 
trade, arising from the semi-monthly line of English 
steamers which touch there. 

England has established twenty-four treaties with 
native kings, chiefs, or powers, for the suppression of the 
slave-trade ; seventeen of these are with chiefs whose 
territories have fallen under the influence of the Repub- 
lic of Liberia and Cape Palmas. The influence of these 
governments has now replaced that of England, by 
sweeping the slave-trade from their territory of about 
six hundred miles. The great proportion of recaptm'ed 
slaves, chiefly men and boys, who have been throT\Ti 
into the population of Sierra Leone, has loaded it heav- 
ily. Of these, altogether not less than sixty thousand 
have, at diflerent times, been introduced ; yet, with the 
original colonists — the Novascotians, Canadians and 
the Maroons from Jamaica — ^the whole do not now ex 



76 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN" FLAG. 

tend beyond forty-five thousand ; still, Sierra Leone 
lias long been a focus of good emanations. It embraces 
a territory small compared with Liberia. The govern- 
ment is repressive of native energy, on account of the 
constant superintendence of white men, and the subor- 
dination of the colony to a distant and negligent gov- 
ernment. 

One momentous effect of its influence, however, has 
come permanently forward, tending to carry rapid im- 
provement widely over the western regions of Africa. 
These recaptured slaves, and their descendants, many 
of them, are returning to their native lands, elevated 
in character by the instiTiction they have received. 
Three thousand of them are now settled among their 
brethren of the Yoruba tiibe, near the mouth of the 
E'iger, and there, superintended by two or three mission- 
aries, are sending abroad, by their influence and ex- 
ample, the light of Divine ti'uth. 

Sierra Leone and the naval squadrons have rendered 
great service to Liberia. It is perfectly obvious that 
the colony could not have existed if left to itself under 
the old system of pirating and slave-trading. Those 
who did not spare European forts, would have had no 
scruple at plundering and extinguishing such opponents 
of their traffic. It must in justice be admitted, that a 
fair surrender of what might, in reality, be considered 
as conquered territory, has been made by England to 



COLONY OF SIERRA LEONE. 77 

Liberia. The instances of such transactions show a 
greatly advanced state of morality in the public, deal- 
ings of nations, and in this, even, the African has begun 
to partake. 

SieiTa Leone was founded on the 9th of May, 1Y87, 
by a party of four hundred negroes, discharged from 
the army and navy. They were joined by twelve hun- 
dred from Nova Scotia in 1792. 

In 1849, the country around the river Sherboro, in- 
tervening between Sierra Leone and Mom^ovia, had 
been carrying on a war for about seven years, and at 
length commenced plundering the canoes of the Sierra 
Leone people. The acting governor soon brought them 
to terms. This vexed the slavers at the Gallinas, 
who had long been an annoyance to the Liberian au- 
thorities. It was the slavers' policy to keep up the ex- 
citement and strife, that they might in the mean time 
drive a brisk trade unmolested. 

The English cruisers at length blockaded the Gallinas. 
They ascertained that, notwithstanding the blockade, 
abundance of goods were received by the enemy. 
The mystery was at length solved by discovering that 
the slave-traders, through small creeks and lagoons, 
had received what they wanted from Sierra Leone. 
The case was referred to the governor to have this pre- 
vented, and by the governor it was referred to the law- 
yers. They shook their wigs solemnly over the com- 



78 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN" FLAG. 

plaint, and decided that nothing within the compass of 
the law suited the case, and therefore nobody could 
interfere. 

Captain Dunlop, .in command of the cruisers, a 
good naval diplomatist, ready in the cause of justice 
and humanity to make precedents where none could 
be found, informed the Sherboro chiefs, that a treaty 
existed between them and his government for the sup- 
pression of the slave-trade ; and suggested to them the 
virtue and the profit of seizing the goods brought from 
Sierra Leone. The chiefs had the smallest possible 
objections which honest men could have, to appro- 
priate the slavers' goods to themselves. On the princi- 
ple of employing a thief in office for the moril benefit 
of his companions, this matter was easily settled. 
The goods were seized in their transit. It was also 
stipulated with these chiefs, that they should stop all 
trade and intercoui'se between their own people and the 
slave barracoons. Having now no chance of sending off 
slaves, and no means of getting any thing from Sierra 
Leone or elsewhere, the slavers, established at the 
Gallinas — regarded for the present as no man's land — 
were obliged to come to terms. 

Captain Dunlop landed to receive their suiTender. 
But to spare his own men in the sickliest season of the 
year, he applied to a chief for one hundred and fifty 
hands ; these he obtained, and soon after three hundred 



DESTRUCTION OF BARRACOONS. 79 

more joined him, and remained for tlie five or six 
weeks, while the affair was being settled. These men 
behaved as well as disciplined troops, or rather better, 
for although among an enemy's property, there was no 
drunkenness or plunder. 

An idea of the extent of the slave-establishment may 
be had from the fact that sixty foreigners were made 
prisoners. They hailed from everywhere, and were sent 
to Sierra Leone to find passage to Brazil, Cuba and 
other places. 

The chiefs who had been in partnership with them, 
found themselves none the worse for this summary, 
breaking up of the firm. They cleared off their national 
debt. In the way of trade they had come under obli- 
gations to this establishment to the extent of seven 
thousand slaves, and they found themselves at liberty 
honestly to " repudiate," or rather their obligation was 
discharged, as slaves were no longer a lawful tender. 
The chiefs, however, were required to set at liberty all 
slaves collected but not delivered. These amomited to 
about a thousand. A preparation was here made for 
the extension of Liberia, and afterwards, as will be 
seen, that government came into possession of this ter- 
ritory, and thus secured a still greater extent of coast 
from the intrusion of the slaver. 

English influence is extending by means of factories 
and agents all along the coast, from Cape Palmas to 



80 APEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

the Gaboon (about twelve hundred miles), for commer- 
cial pm^oses and for the suppression of the slave-trade. 
These establishments are supported by the government. 
Commissioners proceed from them to enter into negotia- 
tions on the subject of the slave-trade with the powerful 
chiefs of the interior, and cmious results sometimes oc- 
cur from the prestige thus gained. 

One of the great Ashantee chiefs came over to the 
English, during the war in which Sir Charles McCarthy 
was killed, and retained his independence on the bor- 
ders of the two powers. Governor McLean, at Cape 
Coast Castle, learnt that this chief had offered human 
sacrifices as one of his " customs." A summons, in a 
legal form, was dispatched to him by a native soldier, 
citing him to appear for trial for this offence. Agreea- 
bly to the summons, he marched to the court in great 
state, surrounded by his chiefs and attendants. He was 
tried, convicted, and heavily fined. He was then dis- 
missed, with an order to remit the money. This he im- 
mediately did, although there was no force, except moral 
supremacy, to constrain him to obey. There has been 
no slaving at Cape Coast Castle since the trade was 
abolished forty years ago. 

There are only forty British officers and soldiers in 
all the line of forts, with one hundred of the West India 
regiment, and about fifty native militia-men. The an- 
nual expense of the establishments is about twenty 



VISITS TO CHIEFS IN THE INTERIOR. 81 

thoasand dollars ; although, as the government has 
lately purchased, for fifty thousand dollars, the Danish 
forts, the expense will be materially increased. 

The interior is improving. Captain Winniet visited 
Ashantee in October, 1849. He found on the route large 
thriving additional villages, as far as English protection 
extended. He was received at Kumassi with the 
usual display of African music, musketry, and marching. 
He was led for a mile and a half through a lane at 
heads and shoulders, clustered thick on both sides. 
There were here and there diverging branches of a like 
character, as thick with heads and shoulders ; and at 
the end of each, a chief sitting in his chair of state. To 
and by each chief, a hand was waved as a salutation, 
until the monarch himself was reached. He rose, came 
forward, and, with heavy lumps of gold dangling at his 
wrists, exhibited his agility in dancing. When this act 
of state ceremony had been properly done up^ he of- 
fered his hand to shake, and thus completed the eti- 
quette of a reception at coiu*t. The houses, with piazzas 
projecting to shelter them from the sun — ^public-rooms 
in front, and dwelling-rooms behind, nicely plastered 
and colored — were greatly admired. 

The pleading about the slave-trade was the main 

business and the main difficulty ; but the nature of such 

negotiations appears, in its most impressive aspect, in 

the case of Dahomey. 

4^ 



8^ AFRICA AI^D THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

This chief professes great deyotedness to England. 
In consequence of some difficulty, tie gave notice to Eu- 
ropean foreigners, " that he was not much accustomed 
to cut off white heads, but if any interfered with an 
agent of the English goyernment, he would cut off their 
heads as readily as those of his black people." By mur- 
derous incursions against his neighbors, he seized about 
nine thousand victims annually. He sold about three 
thousand of these directly on his own account, gave the 
rest chiefly away to his troops, who sold them : a duty 
of five dollars being paid on each slave exported, af- 
forded him altogether a revenue of about three hundred 
thousand dollars. 

This was a serious matter to argue against. He stated 
the case strongly : " The form of my government cannot 
be suddenly changed, without causing such a revolution 
as would deprive me of my throne, and precipitate the 
kingdom into anarchy. ... I am very desirous to acquire 
the friendship of England. I and my army are ready, 
at all times, to fight the queen's enemies, and do any 
thing the English government may ask of me, except to 
give up the slave-trade. 'No other trade is known to 
my people. Palm-oil, it is true, is engaging the atten- 
tion of some of them, but it is a slow method of making 
money, and brings only a very small amount of duties 
into my coffers. The planting of cotton and coffee has 
been suggested, but that is slower still. The trees have 



KING OF DAHOMEY'S ARGUMENT. 83 

to grow, and I shall probably be in my grave before I 
reap any benefit from them ; and what am I to do in the 
mean time ? Who will pay my troops in the mean 
time ? Who will bny arms and clothes for them ? Who 
will buy dresses for my wives ? Who will give me 
supplies of cowries, rnm, gunpowder and cloth, for my 
annual ' customs V I hold my power by the observance 
of the time-honored customs of my forefathers. I 
should forfeit it, and entail on myself a life full of 
shame, and a death full of misery, by neglecting them. 
The slave-trade has been the ruling principle of my 
people. It is the source of their glory and wealth. 
Their songs celebrate their victories, and the mother 
lulls the child to sleep with notes of triumph over an 
enemy reduced to slavery. Can I, by signing such a 
treaty, change the sentiments of a whole people ? It 
cannot be !" 

The case was a puzzling one for this intelKgent, open- 
hearted, and ambitious barbarian. He had trained an 
army of savage heroes, and as savage heroines, thirsting 
for distinction and for plunder. This army cowers at 
his feet as long as he satiates its appetite for excite- 
ment, rapine and blood. But woe to him if it turn in 
disappointed fury upon him ! Such is military despo- 
tism ; perilous to restrain, and perilous to let loose. 
Blessed is that jDcople which is clear of it ! 

There is this strange incident in the affair, that the 



84: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

English power, wMcli sent an ambassador to plead tlie 
case with him in this peaceful mode, was at the same 
time covering the sea with crnisers, and lining the shore 
with factories, and combining every native influence to 
extinguish the sole source from which flowed the secu- 
rity and splendor of his rule. He knew this, and could 
offer no moral objection to it, although complaining of 
the extent to which it reduced his authority, and crip- 
pled his resources. 

The urgency to which the King of Dahomey was 
subjected, ended, in 1862, in his yielding. England 
had proposed to pay him some annual sum for a time, 
as a partial compensation for the loss of his revenue : it 
may therefore be presumed that he is a stipendiary of 
the British government ; and as the practices given up 
by him can scarcely, in any circumstances, be suddenly 
revived, his interest will retain him faithful to the en- 
gagement. It is a strange, bold, and perilous under- 
taking, that he should direct his disciplined army, his 
hero and his heroine battalions, to the arts of peace ! 
But to these he and they must henceforward look as 
the source of their wealth, security, and greatness. 

Queen Yictoria, it is said, has lately sent the King of 
Dahomey two thousand ornamental caps for the Ama- 
zon soldiers. 



CHAPTEE YIIL 

DAHOMEY-5-SLAVISH SUBJECTION OF THE PEOPLE DEPENDENCE 

OF THE KING- ON THE SLAVE-TRADE EXHIBITION OF HU- 
MAN SKULLS—ANNUAL HUMAN SACRIFICES— LAGOS THE 

CHANGES OF THREE CENTURIES. 

Dalziel, in slave-trading times, shocked the world 
with details in reference to Dahomey. Duncan and 
Forbes have again presented the picture in the same 
hues of darkness and of blood. Ghezo is a good king as 
things go, and rather particularly good for an African, 
for whom the world has done nothing, and who, there- 
fore, cannot be expected to do much for the world. He 
has a threatening example before him. His elder 
brother is a prisoner, with as much to eat and more to 
drink than is good for him — caged up by a crowd of 
guards, who prevent him from doing any thing else. 
He was deposed, and reduced to this state, because his 
rule did not suit his subjects. 

Ghezo, therefore, has the office of seeing men roll on 
the earth before him, and scrape up dust over them- 
selves ; of being deafened by vociferations of his dignity 
and virtue and glory and honor, by court poets and par- 



86 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

asites, on state occasions ; the office of keeping satisfied, 
with pay and phmder, the ferocious spirit of a blood- 
thirsty people ; the office of looking ont for some vic- 
tim tribe, whom, by craft and violence, they may ruin ; 
and the office of procuring, catching and buying some 
scores of human victims, whom he and his savages 
murder, at different set seasons, in public. 

A good share of this used to be effected by means of 
the slave-trade. But that is gone, or nearly so, and 
with it may go much of the atrocity of Dahomean pub- 
lic life. Things are yet, however, and may long remain, 
in a transition state. He and his people will not sud- 
denly lose their taste for the excitement of human suf- 
fering; and it would be a danger for which, it is 
probable, he has not the moral courage, or a result 
for which he has no real wish, to bring old national 
ceremonies to a sudden pause. But there are cir- 
cumstances likely to act with effect in producing the 
change, which is a matter destined to occur at some 
time or other, and to be obtained when it occurs only 
in one mode ; and the sooner the process is begun, the 
sooner it will end. 

As to what it is that higher principles must banish 
from the world. Commander Forbes, of the British 
[N^avy, in 1850, the latest visitor of that country who 
has given an account of it, tells us what he saw. He 
says: " There is something fearful in the state of sub- 




u 
o 

X 

<t 
o 

O 

LO 
QC 
U 

Z 
at 
CO 



H 
Z 
U 

< 

z 
cc 
a 



HUMAN SACRIFICES. 87 

jection in which, in outward show, the kings of Da- 
homey hold their highest officers ; yet, when the sys- 
tem is examined, these prostrations are merely keeping 
Tip of ancient customs. Although no man's head in 
Dahomey can be considered warranted for twenty-four 
hours, still the great chief himself would find his 
tottering if one of these customs was omitted." 

They Avere preparing for the ceremony of watering 
the graves of the royal ancestors with blood ; dming 
which the king also presents some victims as a royal 
gift to his people. This merely means that they are 
knocked down in public, and their heads cut off, amidst 
trumpeting, and clamor, and jesting. 

" With much ceremony," we read, " two large cala- 
bashes, containing the skulls of kings," conquered by 
the Dahomeans, " ornamented with copper, brass, coral, 
&c., were brought in and placed on the ground. Some 
formed the heads of walking-sticks, distaffs ; while 
those of chiefs and war-men ornamented drums, um- 
brellas, surmounted standards, and decorated doorways. 
They were on all sides in thousands." 

" There was much to disgust the white man in the 
number of human skulls and jaw-bones displayed ; but 
can the reader imagine twelve unfortunate human be- 
ings lashed hands and feet, and tied in small canoes 
and baskets, dressed in clean white dresses, with a high 
red cap, carried on the heads of fellow-men ? These, 



88 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

and an alligator and a cat, were the gift of the monarch 

to the people — prisoners of war." " When carried 

round the court, they bore the gaze of their enemies 
without shrinking. At the foot of the throne they 
halted, while the Mayo presented each with a head 
(bunch) of cowries, extolling the munificence of the 
monarch, who had sent it to them to pm'chase a last 
meal, for to-morrow they must die." 

Again : " But of the foiu^teen now brought on the 
platform, we the unworthy instruments of the Divine 
will, succeeded in saving the lives of three. Lashed as 
we have described before, these sturdy men met the 
gaze of their persecutors, with a firmness perfectly as- 
tonishing. Not a sigh was breafhed. In all my life 

I never saw such coolness before, so near death The 

victims were held high above the heads of their bearers, 
and the naked ruffians thus acknowledged the munifi- 
cence of their prince. .... Having called their names, 
the nearest one was divested of his clothes ; the foot of 
the basket placed on the parapet, when the king gave 
its upper part an impetus, and the victim fell at once 
into the pit beneath. A fall upwards of twelve feet 
may have stunned him, and before sense could return, 
his head was cut off, and the body thrown to the mob ; 
who, now armed with clubs and branches, brutally muti- 
lated it and dragged it to a distant pit." Forbes and 
liis companion had retired to their seats away from the 



HUMAN SACRIFICES. 89 

sight. Two sons of Da Souza, the notorious slaver, re- 
mained to look on. 

The circumstance most likely to have effect in restrain- 
ing these barbarities, is the value which slaves will now 
bear as the means of cultivating the ground, and rais- 
ing exportable produce, to which alone the monarch 
and people must look, in the diminished state of the 
slave-trade, to furnish means for their expenses. Vic- 
tims and slaves will also be more difficult to be pro- 
cured by warfare, inasmuch as civilized j)eople have 
more general access to the country, and will introduce 
a better policy, and more powerful defensive means 
among the people. Christianity also is adventming 
there, and carrying its peaceful influence and nobler 
motives with it. 

Lagos plundered recaptured slaves retmning to their 
homes. The authorities deserved no favor. A better 
man — perhaps a more legitimate claimant for the royal 
dignity — was found, and after a severe fight, in which 
the British cruisers wannly participated, he was seated 
on the throne. A severe blow was given to the slave- 
trade. Affairs seemed to be going on smoothly until 
early in the autumn of 1853, when a revolution broke 
out, amidst which the king died, and the country, as far 
as is known, remains in confusion. 

Tlie present is an interesting period in the history of 
the world. Changes are rapid and irrevocable. Cir- 



90 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

cumstances illustratiye of the condition of our race as 
it has been, are disappearing rapidly. The future 
must trust to our philosophic observation, and faithful 
testimony, for its knowledge of savage life. The help- 
lessness, and artlessness, and miserable shifts of barba- 
rism are becoming things of the past. There ia per- 
haps no region of the earth which is now altogether 
beyond the reach of civilized arts. Shells, and flints, 
and bows, and clubs, and bone-headed spears are every- 
where giving way to more useful or more formidable 
implements. Improvements in dress and tools and 
furniture will soon be universal. The histoiy of man 
as he has been, requires therefore to be wiitten now, 
while the evidence illustrative of it has not altogether 
vanished. 

The changes of the last three centuries have, to only 
a slight degree, influenced the African races. An 
inaccessible interior, and a coast bristling with slave- 
factories, and bloody with slaving cinielties, probably 
account for this. The slight progress made shows the 
obduracy of the degradation to be removed, and the 
difiiculty of the first steps needed for its removal. 
Wherever the slave-trMe or its eflects penetrated, there 
of course peace vanished, and prosperity became im- 
possible. This evil affected not only the coast, but 
spread warfare to rob the country of its inhabitants, far 
into the interior regions. There were tribes, however, 



SLOWNESS OF IMPROVEMENT. 91 

•tminflueiiced by it, and some of these have gained ex- 
tensive, although but temporary authority. Yet no- 
where has there been any real civilization. It is sin- 
gular that these people should have rested in this 
unalloyed barbarism for thousands of years, and that 
there should have been no native-bom advancement, 
as in, Mexico, or Peru, or China ; and no flowing in 
upon its darkness of any glimmering of light from the 
brilliant progress and high illumination of the outside 
world. It has been considered worthy of note, that a 
few years ago one of the Yeys had contrived a cum- 
brous alphabet to express the sounds of his language ; 
but it is surely, to aii incomparable degree, more a 
matter of sm^prise, that centmies passed away in com- 
munication with Europeans, without such an attempt 
having been made by any individual, of so many mil- 
lions, during so many generations of men. 

The older state of negro society, therefore, still 
continues. With the exception of civilized vices, civ- 
ilized arms, and some amount of civilized luxuries, 
life on the African coast, or at no great distance from 
it, remains now much the same as the first discoverers 
found it. 

As it was two hundred years ago, the food of the 
people consists of rice, maize and millet ; or the Asi- 
atic, the American and the African native grains. A 
few others, of comparatively little importance, might be 



92 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

added to these. Many fruits, as bananas, figs and 
pumpkins, compose part of their subsistence. 

Flesh of all kinds was used abundantly before Eu- 
ropean arms began to render game scarce. Fish along 
the coast, and beside the rivers and interior lakes, are 
used, except by some tribes, who regard them as un- 
clean. Tlie Bushmen sou.th of Elephants' Bay, reject 
no kind of reptile. The snake's poison arms their 
weapon, and its body is eaten. As the poisons used 
act rapidly, and do not affect the flesh of the animal, it 
is devoured without scruple and without danger. 
Throughout all the deserts, as in ancient times, the 
locust, or large winged grasshopper, is used as an arti- 
cle of food, not nutritive certainly, but capable of sus- 
taining life. The wings and legs are pulled off, and 
the bodies are scorched, in holes heated as ovens, and 
having the hot sand hauled over them. 

In Dahomey, according to Duncan, there is some im- 
provement in agriculture, traced to the return from the 
Brazils of a few who had been trained as slaves in that 
empire. This influence, and that of ideas imported 
from civilized society, seem to be more prevalent in 
Dahomey than elsewhere. The present sovereign has 
mitigated the laws, diminished the transit duties, and 
acted with such judicious kindness towards tribes who 
submitted without resistance, that his neighbors, tired 



PROSPECTS OF THE FUTURE. 93 

of war and confusion, have willingly, in some instances, 
preferred to come under his jurisdiction. 

These circumstances, together with the treaty formed 
by England with the King of Dahomey, in 1852, for 
the suppression of the slave-trade, indicate that a 
new destiny is opening for the African races. It may 
be but rarely that a man of so much intelligence gains 
power ; and the successor of the present king may suffer 
matters to decline ; but still great sources of evil are 
removed, and the people are acquiring a taste for better 
practices. Human sacrifices have, to a great extent, 
been abolished ; and the wants of cultivation will of 
themselves render human life of higher value. The two 
great states of Ashantee and Dahomey, now both open 
to missionary influence, are likely to run an emulative 
race in the career of improvement. 



CHAPTEE IX. 

STATE OF THE COAST PRIOR TO THE FOUNDATION OF LIBERIA 

NATIVE TRIBES CUSTOMS AND POLICY POWER OF THE FOL- 

GIAS KROOMEN, ETC. CONFLICTS. 

The lands clioseu as the site of the American colony 
excited attention in olden times. " Africa would be 
preferable to Em^ope," said the French navigator 
Yillanlt in 1667, "if it were all like Cape Mount." 
He launches out with delight on the beauty of the pros- 
pects, and the richness of the country. He says, " There 
you find oranges, almonds, melons, pumpkins, cherries 
and plums," and the abundance of animals was so great 
that the flesh was sold " for almost nothing." Of the 
Rio Junco he remarks, " The banks are adorned with 
trees and flowers ; and the plains with oranges, citrons 
and palms in beautiful clumps. At Rio Cesters he 
found a people rigidly honest, who had carefully pre- 
served the efiects of a deceased trader, mitil a vessel 
arrived to receive them. 

Another Frenchman, Desmarchais, in the succeeding 
century was invited by " King Peter" to form an es- 
tablishment on the large island at Cape Mesurado, but 



RELATIONS OF THE COAST TRIBES. 95 

he preferred the Cape itself, on account of the advanta- 
ges of its position. 

The country adjoining Mesurado, although subse- 
quently harassed and wasted by the slave-trade, had in 
early times a national history and policy, containing 
incidents which illustrate the character of savage man 
as displayed in such social arrangements as his dull 
apprehension can contiive. This will be apparent from 
circumstances in its history dming the sixteenth 
century. 

The comitry was held chiefly by divisions of a great 
comnnmity, known by the common name of Monoo. 
The Gall as and the Yeys were intruders, but nearly re- 
lated. Tlie Mandi, or head of the Monoo, retained 
reverence and dignity, but had lost dominion. 

The subordinate tribes ranged themselves in rank, 
according to the power they possessed, which varied 
with temporary circumstances. Thus the Monoo lorded 
it over the Folgias ; the Folgias over the Quojas, and 
the Quojas over the Bulams and Kondos. 

Their fortresses were square inclosures, surrounded 
by stout palisades, driven close together, having fom* 
structures somewhat in the fomi of bastions, through 
which, and under their defence, were the entrances to 
the place. Two streets in the interior, crossing each 
other in the centre, connected these entrances. They 
had a kind of embrasures or port-holes in these wooden 



96 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

walls, out of which, they threw assagays or spears and 
arrows. 

Along the eastern bank of the Junco, stretched the 
lands of the lOiaroo Monoos, the Krooinen so well 
known to our cruisers of the present day. The Folgias 
weakened in warfare had recourse to the sorceries of a 
celebrated performer in that line, whose policy in the 
case savored very greatly of earthly wisdom. He rec- 
ommended religious strife as the best mode of weaken- 
ing the enemy. They therefore contrived to excite 
some "old school and new school" controversy with 
regard to the sacredness of a pond held in reverence by 
the Kroos. 

It was a matter of Kroo orthodoxy, that into this 
pond the great ancestor and author of their race 
had descended from heaven, and there first made his 
appearance as a man. Hence it was the faith of their 
established church to make offerings to the pond in 
favor of the fish that dwelt there. 

Now it was also an old and ever-to-be-respected law 
among them, that no fish should be boiled with the scales 
on. Amid their career of victory, the audacious and 
criminal fact was one day discovered, that into the 
sacred pond, the just object of reverence to an en- 
lightened and religious people, there had been thrown 
a quantity of fish boiled in a mode which indicated 
contempt for every thing praiseworthy and national, in- 



RELIGIOUS DISSENSIONS. 97 

asmiicli as not a scale had been scraped off previonsly 
to their being boiled. 

The nation got into a ferment abont the fish-scales. 
From arguments they went to clubs and spears. Parties 
accusing and parties accused defended their lives, in 
"just and necessary wars," while the Folgias looked on 
until both were weak enough to be conquered. The 
victors, -however, were generous. Their chief married 
the sister of Flonikerri, the leader of the Kroos, and 
left him in sovereignty over his people. Flonikerri 
showed his loyalty by resisting an attack on the Fol- 
gias by the Quabo of the southeast. 

In the mean time the great sovereign Mendino, king 
of the Monoos, had died ; and as negro chiefs are or 
ought to be immortal, and as no king can die except 
by sorcery, his brother Manomassa was accused as 
having contrived his death. lie drank the sassy-wood, 
and survived, without satisfying the people. As the 
sorcerers proposed to hold a kind of court of inquiry 
upon the case, Manomassa, indignant at the charge, 
surrendered himse]f to the care of the " spirits of the 
dead," and went away among the Gala. 

There his character gained him the office of chief. 
But annoyed at their subsequent caprice, he threw him- 
self upon the generosity of the Folgias, who employed 
Flonikerri to reinstate him in his dominion over the 
Gala. Flonikerri had in fact become a kind of gene- 



98 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ralissimo of tlie imited tribes. He was afterwards em- 
ployed in subduing the Yeys of Cape Mount; and 
after various battles, reduced them to offer proof of 
their submission. Tliis consisted in each swallowing 
some drops of blood from a great number of chickens, 
which were afterwards boiled ; they ate the flesh, re- 
serving the legs, which were delivered to the con- 
queror, to be preserved as a memorial of their fealty. 

Flonikerri fell in battle, resisting a revolt of the 
Galas. Being hard pressed, he drew sl circle round 
him on the ground, vowing that within it he would 
resist or die. Kneeling there he expired under showers 
of arrows. 

His brother and successor, Killimanzo, extended the 
authority of the tribe by subduing the Quilligas along 
the Gallinas river. The son of the latter, Flanseer, ex- 
tended their conquests to Sierra Leone, crushed some 
rebellions, and left a respectable domain under the 
sway of his son Flamburi. Then it was that the energy, 
skill and vices of Europeans came powerfully into ac- 
tion among the contentions of the natives, until they 
rendered war a means of revenue, by making men an 
article of merchandise for exportation. 

The same language prevailed among all their tribes. 
The most cultivated dialect was that of the Folgias, 
who prided themselves greatly on the propriety and the 
elegance of their speech, and on the figm-ative illustra- 



COURT CEREMONIES. 99 

tions which they threw into it. Thej retained their su- 
premacy over the Qnojas, notwithstanding the extended 
dominion of the latter. This was indicated by the in- 
vestitm-e of the chief of the Quojas with the title of 
Donda, by the king, or Donda, of the Folgias. The 
ceremony bore the character of abasement almost nni- 
yersal among the negro race. The Quoja aspirant, hay- 
ing approached the Folgia chief in solemn state, threw 
himself on the ground, remaining prostrate until the 
Folgian had thrown some dust over him. He was then 
asked the name he chose to bear. His attendants re- 
peated it aloud. The king of the Folgians pronounced 
it, adding the title of Donda ; and the whole multi- 
tude seized and shouted it with loud acclamations. He 
was invested with a bow and quiver. Mutual presents 
concluded the ceremony. 

State and dignity, of such a character as could be 
found among savages, were strictly enforced in these 
old times. Ambassadors did not enter a territory until 
they had received peiTnission, and until an officer had 
been sent to conduct them. There were receptions, 
and reviews, and stately marchings, trumpetings, di'um- 
mings, and singing of songs, and acclamations, and 
flatteries. 

The attendants of the ambassador prostrated them- 
selves. He was only required to kneel, but, having 
bent his head in reverence, he wheeled round to the 



100 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

people, and drew the string of his bow to its full bent, 
indicating that he became the king's soldier and defen- 
der. Then came his oration, which was repeated, sen- 
tence by sentence, in the month of the king's interpre- 
ter. The Qnojas claimed the credit of best understand- 
ing the proper ceremonies of civil life. How great is 
the difference between this population, and the few 
miserable slave-hunters, who subsequently ravaged, 
rather than possessed, these shores ! 



CHAPTEK X. 

GENERAL VIEWS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COLONIES PENAL 

COLONIES VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IN 

REFERENCE TO AFRICAN COLONIES STATE OF SLAVERY AT 

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR NEGROES WHO JOINED THE 

ENGLISH DISPOSAL OF THEM BY GREAT BRITAIN EARLY 

MOVEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO AFRICAN COLONIES PLAN 

MATURED BY DR. FINLEY FORMATION OF THE AMERICAN 

COLONIZATION SOCIETY. 

The views of men in founding colonies, have varied 
in different ages of the world. Although, however, 
some special inducement may have been pre-eminent at 
different times, jet a multiplicity of motives have gen- 
erally combined in leading to such undertakings. Han- 
nibal found the municipal cities, or Homan colonies of 
Italy, the obstacles to his conquest of the republic. It 
was with provident anticipation of such an effect that 
they were_ founded. Lima in Peru, and other places 
in Brazil and elsewhere, had their origin in similar 
aims. Differences in political views have led to the 
foundation of many colonies ; and, superadded to these, 
religious considerations have had their influence in the 
settlement of some of the early E'orth American col- 
onies. 



102 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

In tlie small republics of Greece, tlie seditious, or the 
criminal — sometimes whole classes of men, whose resi- 
dence was unsuitable to the general interests — were 
cast adrift to go where they chose, probably making a 
general jail delivery for the time being. 

Modern efforts of the kind are, upon the whole, more 
systematic. A colony sent for settlement or for subsist- 
ence, is purely so. A military colony is purely mili- 
tary, or, more generally, is nothing else than a garrison. 
A colony of criminals is restricted to the criminals. 
In this case a new element characterizes the modern 
system, for the object is not merely to remove the crim- 
inal, but to reform him. England has done much in 
this way. It is a great result, that in Australia there 
are now powerful communities, rich with the highest 
elements of civilization ; constituted to a great extent 
of those who otherwise, as the children of criminals, 
would have been born to wretchedness and depravity, 
to cells and stripes and brandings and gibbets, as their 
inheritance. 

But such experiments are not capable of indefinite 
repetition; space is wanting for them in the world. 
K"ations are now called by the imperious force of cir- 
cumstances, or more properly speaking, by the decree 
of Providence, to the nobler task of preventing rather 
than punishing ; of raising society from the pollution 
of vice rather than curing or expelling it. This higher 



COLONIAL ESTABLISHMENTS. 103 

effort, which is natural to the spirit of Christianity, 
should have accompanied it everywhere. A nation is 
responsible for its inhabitants, and ought to master 
whatever tends to crime among them. Those whom it 
sends abroad should be its citizens, not its reprobates. 
It owes to the world, that the average amount of virtue 
in it accompany its transferred communities, so that the 
world does not suffer by the transferrence. This must 
be the case when a race unsuitably placed is, on account 
of that unsuitableness only, transported to a location 
more suitable. 

A case which is exceptional in regard to common 
instances, will be when the higher and better motives 
to colonization take precedence of all others. Such an 
instance is that of returning the negro race to their own 
land. It is exceptional in this respect, that the transfer 
of that race to its more suitable locality is mainly an 
effort of philanthropic benevolence. Its motives, how- 
ever, excel in degree, not in kind. The same induce- 
ments which at all times influenced colonizing measures, 
have had their place, with more or less force, in these 
schemes. In deriving support for them it has been 
necessary to appeal to every motive, and seek assistance 
by every inducement. 

The increase of national prosperity, the promotion of 
national commerce, the relief of national difficulties, 
the preservation of national quiet, have all been urged 



104: APRIOA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG, 

on the different orders of men appealed to. It has 
been shown how all these circumstances would influence 
individual interests, while the higher Christian and 
philanthropic aims to be fulfilled by these efforts have 
not been overlooked. All this is perfectly right ; and 
if right in us, it is also right in others. It would have 
been satisfactory if in the two parties, America and 
England, in respect to their measures towards African 
establishments, there had been more nobleness in their 
discussions, less national jealousies in all parties, less of 
sneering censure of national ambition, selfishness or 
grasping policy, while both parties were in fact making 
appeals to the very same principles in human natm-e, 
which foster national ambition, or selfishness, or grasp- 
ing policy. 

Although African colonization originated with, and 
has been sustained wholly by individuals, in the United 
States, England has regarded it in the same light with 
which this country has looked upon her acquisition of 
foreign territory. 

There is, however, a high superiority in these schemes 
of African colonization, although it be but in degree. 
The best and holiest principles were put prominently 
forward, and men of corresponding character called 
forth to direct them. They sought sympathy and aid 
from the English African Association, and from the 
Bible and Missionary Societies of this land. They 



ORIGIN OF SIERRA LEONE. 105 

were truly efforts of Christianity, throwing its solid intel- 
ligence and earnest affections into action for the conquest 
of a continent, by returning the Africans to their home, 
and making this conquest a work of faith and labor of love. 
The slavery imported and grafted on this country by 
foreign political supremacy, when the country was help- 
less, has been subjected to a trial never undergone by 
such an institution in any other part of the world. An 
enemy held dominion where slavery existed, and while 
the masters were called upon to fight for their own po- 
litical independence, there was opportunity for the 
slave to revolt or escape if such had been his wish. 
Those who are not acquainted with the ties uniting the 
slave to his master's household, and the interest he feels 
in his master's welfare, would expect that when a hos- 
tile army was present to rescue and to defend them, 
the whole slave population would rise with eager fury 
to avenge their subjection, or with eager hope to escape 
from it. But the historical truth is, that very few in- 
deed of the colored men of the United States, whether 
slaves or free, joined the English or Tory party in the 
Revolutionary War. Thus the character impressed on 
the institution frustrated the recorded expectation of 
those who forced this evil upon a reluctant people — that 
the position and the influence of the negro in society 
would forever check republican spirit and keep the 

country in dependence. 

5* 



106 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The small number of colored persons who did join 
the English produced no slight difficulty. That small 
number ought perhaps to have been easily amalga- 
mated somehow or other with the vast amount of the 
English population. That this did not happen, and did 
not seem possible, is perfectly evident. Either color, or 
character, or position, or something else, which it is for 
the English people to explain, prevented this. Many 
of them were found in the lanes and dens of vice in 
London, without the prospect of their ever amalgamat- 
ing with the Londoners, and therefore only combining 
incumbrance, nuisance, and danger by their presence 
there. 

This condition of things, as is well known, excited 
the attention and sympathy of Granville Sharpe, and 
led to the foundation of the colony of Sierra Leone, as 
a refuge for them. 

Great Britain found herself hampered on a subsequent 
occasion with the charge of a few hundreds of the Ma- 
roons, or independent free negroes of Jamaica. It was 
known that it would not answer to intermingle them 
with the slave population of that island. The public 
good was found imperiously to require that they should 
be removed elsewhere. They afterwards constituted 
the most trustworthy portion of the population of 
Sierra Leone. 

Similar difficulties have pressed with a manifold 



EARLY COLONIZATION MOVEMENTS. 107 

weight on society in this country. Jefferson, with other 
distinguished statesmen, endeavored to remedy them. 
Marshall, Clay, Eandolph, and others shared in his 
anxieties. A snitable location was sought after for the 
settlement of the free negroes in the lands of the West. 
The Portuguese government w^as afterwards sounded 
for the acquisition of some place in South America. 
But these schemes were comparatively valueless, for 
they wanted the main requisite, — that Africa itself 
should share in the undertaking. 

When Christian beneyolence looked abroad upon the 
face of the world to examine its condition and its wants, 
Africa was seen, dark, gloomy, and vast and hopeless, 
with Egyptian darkness upon it, — " darlmess that 
might be felt," — while Europe guarded and fought for 
it as a human cattle-fold, to be plmidered with an ex- 
tent and atrocity of rapine such as the world elsewhere 
had never beheld. Africa, therefore, became the object 
of deep interest to the Christian philantliropy of this 
country, and all things concurred to bring out some 
great enterprise for its benefit and that of the African 
race in America. 

In 1773 slavery was not only common in ISTew Eng- 
land, but the slave-trade was extensively carried on in 
Rhode Island and other northern states. Dr. HojDkins 
became convinced of the injustice of the traffic, and in 
conjunction with Dr. Stiles, afterwards President of 



108 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Yale College, made an appeal to tlie public in behalf 
of some colored men whom he was preparing for an 
African mission. These men were nearly qualified for 
proceeding to Africa when the Eevolntionar j "War frus- 
trated the scheme, which, in its character, was rather 
missionary than colonial. 

Paul Cuify, a colored man born in ISTew Bedford, 
Massachusetts, who had risen to the possession of con- 
siderable wealth, and commanded a vessel of his own, 
induced about forty colored people to embark in his 
vessel for Sierra Leone, where they had every facility 
for a settlement afforded them. 

Dr. Thornton, of Washington, in 1783, suggested the 
practical course of establishing a colony in Africa, and 
obtained in some of the "New England States the con- 
sent of a number of colored persons to accompany him 
to that coast. This project failed for want of funds. 
'No better success attended an application of Mr. Jeffer- 
son, as secretary of state, directed to the Sierra Leone 
company. 

The State of Virginia, in legislative session, 1800-1805, 
and 1816, discussed the subject of colonization, and 
contributed greatly to prepare the public mind for sub- 
sequent action on the subject. 

The Rev. Dr. Finley, of New Jersey, matured a plan 
for the purpose, and proceeded to Washington, where, 
after consultation with a few friends, a meeting was 



OBJECTS OF COLONIZATION. 109 

called on the 25tli of December, 1816. Henry Clay 
presided ; Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford, Dr. 
Finley, and others, were elected yice-presidents. The 
American Colonization Society was formed with the 
resolution to be free, and christian, and national. 

There was peace in the world. Society was awaken- 
ing to a remorseful consideration of the iniquities which 
had been practised on the African race in their own 
land, and of the condition of its population in this. 
The gradual emancipation of slaves, as favored by Jef- 
ferson and others in the early days of the republic, was 
discussed. But the objects sought in the formation of 
the Colonization Society, were the removal and benefit 
of the free colored population, together with such slaves 
as might have freedom extended to them with the view 
of settlement in Africa. And thus the work of form- 
ing an African nation in Africa, with republican feel- 
ings, impressions and privileges, and with Christian 
truth and Christian civilization, was commenced. 



CHAPTER XL 

FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN COLONY EARLY AGENTS 

MILLS, BURGESS, BACON, AND OTHERS U. S. SLOOP-OF-WAR 

" CYANe" ARRIVAL AT THE ISLAND OF SHERBORO DISPO- 
SAL OF RECAPTURED SLAVES BY THE U. S. GOVERNMENT 

FEVER SLAVES CAPTURED U. S. SCHOONER " SHARk" 

SHERBORO PARTIALLY ABANDONED— U. S. SCHOONER " ALLI- 

GATOr" SELECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF CAPE MESURADO 

—CAPTAIN STOCKTON DR. AYRES KING PETER ARGU- 
MENTS WITH THE NATIVES CONFLICTS DR. AYRES MADE 

PRISONER KING BOATSWAIN COMPLETION OF THE PUR- 
CHASE. 

In JSTovember, 1819, the Colonization Society ap- 
pointed the Rev. Messrs. Samuel J. Mills and Ebenezer 
Burgess as its agents ; with directions to proceed, by 
the way of England, to the west coast of Africa, for the 
purpose of making inquiries and explorations as to a 
suitable location for a settlement. They arrived in 
Sierra Leone in the month of March following, and vis- 
ited all the ports from thence to the island of Sherboro. 

At Sherboro, about sixty miles S. S.E. from Sierra 
Leone, the agents found a small colony of colored peo- 
ple, settled by John Elzel, a South Carolina slave, who 
had joined the English in the Revolutionary War, and 



PIONEERS OF THE COLONY. Ill 

at its close was taken to JSTova Scotia, from whence he 
sailed, with a number of his countrymen, to the coast of 
Africa. Here he became prosperous in trade, built a 
church, and was preaching to his countrymen. By 
Kizel and his people the agents were kindly received. 
He expressed the opinion, that the greater part of the 
people of color in the United States would ultimately 
return to Africa. " Africa," said Kizel, " is the land 
of black men, and to Africa they must and will 
come." 

After the agents had fulfilled their duties, they sailed 
for the United States. Mr. Mills died on the passage. 
In a public discourse, by the Eev. Dr. Leonard Bacon, 
of New Haven, Mr. Mills is thus alluded to : " He 
wandered on his errands of mercy from city to city ; 
pleading now with the patriot, for a country growing up 
to an immensity of power ; and now with the Christian, 
for a world lying in wickedness. He explored in per- 
son the devastations of the "West, and in person he stirred 
up to enterprise and to effort the churches of the East. 
He lived for India and Hawaii, and died in the service 
of Africa." Mr. Burgess gave so satisfactory a report 
of his mission, that the society was encouraged to pro- 
ceed in its enterprise. 

Tte political friends of colonization, being desirous 
of affording aid to the incipient efforts of the society, 
accomplished their object through Wm. H. Crawford, 



112 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

one of the vice-presidents, who proposed to the govern- 
ment, that recaptured slaves should be sent in charge of 
an agent to the colonies in Africa. He called the at- 
tention of the government to a number of slaves who 
had been received in the state of Georgia, subsequently 
to the law of Congress, in 1807, prohibiting the slave- 
ti'ade. These slaves were to have been sold in payment 
of expenses incurred in consequence of their seizure 
and detention by the state authorities. The Coloniza- 
tion Society proposed to take them in charge, and re- 
store them to Africa, provided the government would 
furnish an agent for the purpose. 

Agreeably to the views of the Colonization Society, 
and to guard against an occurrence of a character sim- 
ilar to that in Georgia, Congress passed an act, on the 
3d of March, 1819, by which the President of the Uni- 
ted States was authorized to restore to their own comi- 
try, any Africans captured from American or foreign 
vessels attempting to introduce them into the United 
States in violation of law ; and to provide, by the estab- 
lishment of a suitable agency on the African coast, for 
their reception, subsistence and comfort, until they 
could return to their relatives, or derive support from 
their own exertions. Thus the government became in- 
directly connected with the society. 

It was determined to make the site of the govern- 
ment agency on the coast of Africa, that of the colonial 



SAILING OF EMIGRANTS. 113 

agency also ; and to incoi'porate into the settlement all 
the blacks delivered by our men-of-war to the govern- 
ment agent, as soon as the requisite arrangements 
should be completed. 

The Rev. Samnel Bacon received the appointment of 
both government and colonial agent, having associated 
with him John P. Bankson and Dr. Samnel A. Crozer, 
the society's agents ; and with eighty emigrants, sailed 
on the 6th of February, 1820, for the coast of Africa. 
The U. S. sloop-of-war Cyane, also bound to the coast, 
under orders from the government, accompanied the 
emigrant vessel, but parted company after being a few 
days at sea. The vessels met at Sierra Leone, whence 
they proceeded to the island of Sherboro. 

The confidence of the new agents in Kizel was 
greatly impaired by finding that he had given impres- 
sions of the place where he resided, which were much 
too favorable. The fever made its appearance among 
the people, who were loud in their complaints of every 
thing, and their conduct was any thing but commend- 
able. Many were detected in petty thefts, falsehoods 
and mischiefs of a disgraceful nature. About twenty 
or twenty-five of the emigrants died. The remainder 
survived the acclimating fever, and in a few weeks re- 
gained their health. Mr. Bacon himself fell a victim to 
it ; but to the last his confidence in the ultimate success 
of African colonization was unabated. He remarked 



114 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

that he had seen ninety-fiye native Africans landed 
together in America, who, the first year, were as sickly 
as these. And regarding himself, he said : " I came 
here to die ; and any thing better than death, is better 
than I expected." Lieutenant Townsend, one of the 
officers of the Cyane, also died of the fever. After this 
disastrous attempt at forming a settlement, Sherboro 
was partially abandoned, and several of the emigrants 
were removed to Sierra Leone. 

Had timid counsels prevailed, the cause of coloniza- 
tion would have been no longer prosecuted. But 
the society determined to persevere, trusting that 
experience and the choice of a more salubrious 
situation would guard against a repetition of these 
disasters. 

The U. S. sloops-of-war Cyane and John Adams in 
cruising off the coast captm^ed five slavers, which were 
sent to the United States for adjudication. - 

In the year following Messrs. Winn and Bacon 
(brother of the deceased agent) on the part of the gov- 
ernment, and Messrs. Andrews and "Wiltberger by the 
society, were appointed agents, and proceeded to Sierra 
Leone, with forty effective emigrants to recruit the 
party sent out the preceding year. In a personal inter- 
view with Mr. Wiltberger, and from some notes com- 
municated by him, the author has derived much inter- 
esting and reliable information relating to the colony 



SELECTION OF CAPE MESURADO. 115 

during his agency, extending to the purchase and set- 
tlement of Liberia. 

The island of Sherboro was wholly abandoned, and 
the remaining emigrants removed to Sierra Leone. 

In 1822, Dr. Ayres was appointed colonial physician 
and agent, and proceeded in the TJ. S. schooner Shark 
to Sierra Leone. Soon afterwards the U. S. schooner 
Alligator arrived with orders from the government to 
co-operate with the agents of the society at Sierra Le- 
one. Captain Stockton, her commander, with Dr. 
Ayres and seven of the emigrants, proceeded on a 
cruise of exploration down the coast, and on the 12th 
of December anchored off Cape Mesurado, in lat. 6^ 19' 
N., and long. 10« 48' W. 

" That is the spot we ought to have," said Captain 
Stockton, pointing to the high bluff of the cape ; " that 
should be the site of our colony. 'No finer spot on the 
coast." " And we must have it," added Dr. Ayres. 

They landed without arms, to prove their peaceful 
intentions, and sent an express to King Peter for negoti- 
ations. The -natives collected in large bodies, until the 
captain and agent were smTOunded without the means 
of defence, except a demijohn of whiskey and some 
tobacco, which convinced the natives that no hostility 
was then intended. 

King Peter at length appeared, and a long palaver 
took place, when the agent informed him that their 



116 AFKICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

object was to purchase tlie cape and islands at the 
month of the river. He strongly objected to parting 
with the cape, saying, " If any white man settle there, 
King Peter wonld die, and his woman cry a plenty." 
The agents represented to him the great advantages in 
trade, which the proposed settlement wonld afford to 
his people. After receiving a vague promise from the 
king that he would let them have the land, the palaver 
broke up. 

On the 14:th instant the palaver was renewed at the 
residence of the king, whither, as a measure of the last 
resort. Captain Stockton and the agent had determined 
to proceed. The first word the king said was, " What 
you want that land for ?" This was again explained to 
him. One of the men present accused them of taking 
away the King of Bassa's son and killing him ; another 
of being those who had quarrelled with the Sherboro 
people. A mulatto fellow also presented himself to 
Captain Stockton, and charged him with the capture of 
a slave-vessel in which he had served as a seaman. 
The prospects now looked very gloomy, as here were 
two men in the midst of a nation exasperated against 
them. But by mixing a little flattery with threatening. 
Captain Stockton regained his advantage in the discus- 
sion. He explained his connection with the circum- 
stances, and complained of their constant vacillation of 
purpose in reference to the lands. The old king was at 



CESSION OF TERRITORY. 117 

length pacified, and promised to call some more kings, 
and have a meeting the following day for the purpose 
of ceding the lands. 

Several palavers of a more amicable nature were af- 
terwards held, and the kings at last consented to cede 
a tract of land, receiving as a compensation goods to 
the value of about three hundred dollars. The deed 
bears on it the marks for signatures of King Peter, King 
George, King Zoda, King Long Peter, King Governor, 
Eang Jimmy, and the signatures of Captain Robert F. 
Stockton and Eli Ayres, M. D. 

The tract ceded included Cape Mesurado and the 
lands forming nearly a peninsula between the Mesm*a- 
do and Junk rivers — about thirty-six miles along the 
sea-shore, with an average breadth of about two miles. 

Captain Stockton then left the coast with the Alliga- 
tor, placing Lieutenant Hunter in command of a 
schooner, who, with Dr. Ayres and the men, proceeded 
to Sierra Leone, and brought from thence all the work- 
ing men to Cape Mesm-ado. They disembarked on the 
smaller of the two islands amidst the menaces of the 
natives. 

It was ascertained on their arrival that King Peter 
had been denounced by many of the king's for having 
sold the land to a people who would interfere with the 
I slave-trade, and were hostile to their old customs. The 
i king was threatened with the loss of his head ; and it 



118 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN" FLAG. 

was decreed that tlie new people should be expelled 
from the country. Dr. Ayres at length succeeded in 
checking the opposition of the kings, and restored ap- 
parent tranquillity. 

The island on which the colonists first established 
themselyes, was named Perseverance. It was destitute 
of wood and water, affording no shelter except the de- 
cayed thatch of a few small huts. Thus exposed in an 
insalubrious situation, several of the people were at- 
tacked with intermittent fever. By an arrangement 
with King George, who claimed authority over a part 
of the northern district of the peninsula of Mesurad®, 
the colonists, on their recovery, were permitted to cross 
the river, where they cleared the land, and erected a 
number of comparatively comfortable buildings ; when, 
m the temporary absence of Dr. Ayres, a circumstance 
occurred which threatened the extinction of the colony. 

A small slaver, prize to an English cruiser, bound to 
Sierra Leone, ran into the port for water. During the 
night she parted her cable, and drifted on shore, near 
King George's Town, not far from Perseverance Island. 
Under a prescriptive right, when a vessel was wrecked, 
the natives claimed her, and accordingly proceeded to 
take possession. The English prize-officer resisted, and 
after one or two shots the assailants hastily retreated. 
The officer learning that another attack was meditated, 
sent to the colony for aid. One of the colonists — tern- 



"ENTANGLING ALLIANCES." 119 

porarily in charge dming the absence of the agents to 
bring the women and children from Sierra Leone — re- 
gardless of the admonition to avoid " entangling alli- 
ances," and approving " the doctrine of intervention," 
promptly afforded assistance. The second attack was 
made, bnt the colonists and prize-crew, with the help of 
one or two ronnds of grape and cannister from a brass 
field-piece on the island, which was brought to bear on 
the assailants, soon scattered them, with the loss of two 
killed and several wounded. On the following day, 
they renewed their assnalt with a greater force, and 
were again repulsed, bnt an English sailor and one col- 
onist were killed. 

This interference on the part of the colonists, in be- 
half of the slave-prize, greatly exasperated the natives ; 
not merely from the loss of their men and the vessel, 
but from the apprehension that their most valued priv- 
ileges were about being invaded ; and especially that 
the slave-trade, on which they depended for their gains 
and supplies, would be destroyed. The natives, there- 
fore, determined forthwith to extirpate the colony while 
in its feeble and defenceless state. 

In the mean time. Dr. Ayres, having returned, found 
the colonists confined to the island ; and as the stores 
had become nearly exhausted, and the rainy season was 
about setting in — superadded to the vindictive feelings 
of the natives towards the people — the agents proposed 



120 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

to re-embark for Sien-a Leone, and abandon the new 
settlement. Mr. Wiltberger strenuously opposed the 
agents' proposal, and, after ascertaining that the colo- 
nists were disposed to remain at Mesurado, Dr. Ayres 
cheerfully assented. 

The kings then adopted the deceitful policy of pre- 
tending to be conciliated, and inveigled Dr. Ayres into 
their power. He became their prisoner, and in that 
condition appeared to consent to take back the portion 
of goods which had been received towards the payment 
of the land, but evaded their peremptory order for the 
immediate removal of the people, by showing its im- 
possibility, on account of the want of a vessel for the 
purpose. They finally gave permission that they might 
remain, until he should have made arrangements to 
leave the country. In this dilemma, Ba Caia, a friendly 
king, at the suggestion of Dr. Ayres, appealed to King 
Boatswain,* whose power the maritime tribes well un- 



* Boatswain was a native of Shebar. In his youth, he served in some 
menial capacity on board of an English merchant vessel, where he ac- 
quired the name which he still retains. His personal qualifications 
were of the most commanding description. To a stature approaching 
seven feet in height, perfectly erect, muscular and ^finely proportioned ; 
a countenance noble, intelligent and full of animation, he united great 
comprehension and activity of mind ; and, what was still more impos- 
ing, a savage loftiness, and even grandeur of sentiment — forming alto- 
gether an assemblage of qualities obviously disproportioned to the ac- 
tual sphere of his ambition. He was prodigal of every thing except 
the means of increasing the terror of his name. *' I give you a bul- 



KINK BOATSWAIN'S ARBITRATION. 121 

derstood, and with whom he was in alliance. . King 
Boatswain came down to the coast, and by a direct ex- 
ertion of his authority, convoked the hostile kings* He 
also sent for the agents and principal settlers to appear 
before him, and explain the nature of their claims, and 
present their grievances. The respective allegations of 
the parties were heard. King Boatswain decided in 
favor of the colonists. He said that the bargain had 
been fair on both sides, and that he saw no grounds for 
rescinding the contract. Turning then to King Peter, 
he laconically remarked : " Having sold your country 
and accepted payment, you must take the consequen- 
ces. . . . Let the Americans have their lands imme- 
diately. Whoever is not satisfied with my decision, let 
him tell me so," Then turning to the agents : " I 
promise you protection. If these people give you fm^- 
ther disturbance, send for me ; and I swear, if they 
oblige me to come again to quiet them, I will do it by 
taking their heads from their shoulders, as I did old 
King George's, on my last visit to the coast to settle 
disputes." 
In this decision both parties acquiesced, whatever 

lock," said he to an agent of the society, "not to be considered as 
Boatswain's present, but for your breakfast." To his friend Ba Caia, he 
once sent : " King Boatswain is your friend ; he therefore advises you 
to lose not a moment in providing yourself plenty of powder and ball ; 
or, in three days (the least possible time to make the journey), let me 
see my fugitive woman again," 

6 



122 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

their opinion might liave been as to its equity. The 
settlers immediately resmned their labors on the grounds 
near the Cape. 

The Dey tribe (King Peter's) saw that a dangerous 
enemy had been introduced among them. King Peter, 
with whom we must have sympathy, was impeached, 
and brought to trial on a charge of having betrayed the 
interests of his people, and sold part of the country to 
strangers. The accusation was proven ; and, for a time, 
there was reason to believe that he would be executed 
for treason. 

Soon after King Boatswain had returned to his coun- 
try, the colony was again threatened. The agent called 
another council of kings ; and after some opposition to 
his claim for the disputed territory, the whole assembly 
— amounting to seventeen kings, and thirty-four half- 
kings — assented to the settlement ; and on the 28th of 
April, 1822, formal possession was taken of Cape Mes- 
urado. 

Dr. Ayres and Mr. Wiltberger now returned to the 
United States, the former to urge the wants of the 
colony, and the latter from ill health. Before they left, 
Elijah Johnson, of New York, one of the colonists, who 
had on various occasions distinguished himself, was 
appointed to superintend the colony during their 
absence. 



CHAPTEE XII. 

ASHMUN NECESSITY OF DEFENCE FORTIFICATIONS ASSAULTS 

ARRIVAL OF MAJOR LAING CONDITION OF THE COLONISTS 

SLOOPS-OF-WAR " CYANe" AND " JOHN ADAMs" KING 

BOATSWAIN AS A SLAVER MISCONDUCT OF THE EMIGRANTS 

DISINTERESTEDNESS OF ASHMUN U. S, SCHOONER "POR- 

POISe" CAPTAIN SKINNER REV. R. R. GURLEY PURCHASE 

OF TERRITORY ON THE ST. PAUl's RIVER ATTACK ON TRADE- 
TOWN PIRACIES U. S, SCHOONER " SHARk" SLOOP-OF-WAR 

'* Ontario" — death of ashmun — character by rev. dr. 

BACON. 

The acting agent of the colony jndicionsly managed 
its affairs until the arrival of Mr. Ashmnn and his wife, 
with thirty-seven emigrants, part of whom were re- 
captnred slaves, who had been delivered over to the 
Colonization Society by the Marshal of Georgia, nnder 
the Act of Congress already noticed. Mr. Ashmmi 
held the appointments of government and society's 
agent. He took a comprehensive view of the colony. 
The entire population did not exceed one hundred and 
thirty, of whom thirty only were capable of bearing 
arms. The settlement had no adequate means of de- 
fence. He found no documents defining the limits of 
the purchased territory — explaining the state of the 



12tl: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

negotiations with the natives, or throwing light on the 
duties of the agency. 

It was now perceived that means, as well as an 
organized system of defence were to be originated, 
while the materials and artificers for such purposes 
were wanting. One brass field-piece, five indifferent 
iron guns and a number of muskets, ill-supplied with 
ammunition, comprised all the means for defence. These 
were brought from the island and mounted, and such 
fortifications as the ability and resources of the agent 
could construct were erected. Public stores and more 
comfortable houses were also raised. The settlement, 
except on the side towards the river, was closely envi- 
roned with the heavy forest. This gave an enemy an 
important advantage. The land around was, conse- 
quently, cleared up with all possible dispatch. 

Mr. Ashmun experienced an attack of fever. On 
the following day his wife was seized, and soon after- 
wards died : she thus closed a life of exemplary faith 
and devotedness. 

It has been observed, that the dread of provoking 

King Boatswain's resentment, led the hostile kings to 

assume a show of friendship ; but the disguise could 

not conceal their intentions. The chiefs attributed the 1 1 

t 

departm-e of the agents to a want of spirit, and dread 
of their power. The arrival of Mr. Ashmun had de- 
layed the execution of their purpose, of a general 



FIEST CONFLICT WITH THE NATIVES. 125 

attack on tlie colony ; but when the vessel sailed, earl j 
in October, which had brought out the agent and 
emigrants, a council of kings determined upon instant 
hostilities. King George had abandoned his town 
early in September, leaving the Cape in possession of 
the colonists. This had been regarded by the natives 
as the first step of colonial encroachments ; if left alone 
for a few years, they would master the whole country. 
The natives refused, throughout the consultation, to 
receive any pacific proposals from the colony. 

On the 7tli of ISTovember, Mr. Ashmun, although 
still sufiering from the effects of fever, examined and 
strengthened the defences. Picket guards were posted 
during the night, and every preparation made for a 
vigorous defence. On the 11th the attack was com- 
menced by a force of eight hundred warriors. The 
picket, contrary to orders, had left their station in 
advance of the weakest point of defence ; the native 
force, already in motion, followed close in the rear of 
the picket, and as soon as the latter had joined the 
detachment of ten men stationed at the gun, the 
enemy, presenting a front, opened their fire, and rushed 
forward to seize the post ; several fell, and off went the 
others, leaving the gun undischarged. This threw the 
small reserve in the centime into confusion, and had the 
enemy followed up their advantage, victory was cer- 
tain ; but such was their avidity for plunder, that they 



126 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

fell upon the booty in the outskirts of tlie town. This 
disordered the main bodj. Mr. Ashmun, who was too 
ill to move at any distance, was thus enabled, by the 
assistance of one of the colonists, Rev. Lot Carey, to 
rally the broken forces of the settlers. The brass field- 
piece was now brought to bear, and being well served, 
did good execution. A few men, commanded by Elijah 
Johnson, passed round on the enemy's flank, which 
increased their consternation, and soon after the front 
of the enemy began to recoil. The colonists now re- 
gained the post which had at first been seized, and 
instantly brought the long-nine to bear upon the mass 
of the enemy ; eight hundred men were in a solid body, 
and every shot literally spent itself among them. A 
savage yell was raised by the enemy, and the colonists 
were victors. 

In this assault the colonists (who numbered thirty- 
five) had fifteen killed and wounded. It is impossible 
to estimate the loss of the natives, which mast have 
been very great. An earnest but ineffectual effort was 
made by the agent to form with the kings a tresity of 
peace. 

Notwithstanding this disastrous result, the natives deter- 
mined upon another attack. They collected auxiliaries 
from all the neighboring tribes who could be induced |,i 
to join them. The colonists, on the other hand, under 
Ashmun, the agent, were busily engaged in fortifying 



DEFEA.T OF THE NATIVES. 12Y 

themselves for the decisive battle, upon which the fate 
of the settlement was suspencle 1. On the 2d of Decem- 
ber the enemy attacked simultaneously the three sides 
of the fortifications. The colonists received them with 
that bravery and determination which the danger of 
total destruction in case of defeat was calculated to in- 
spire. The main body of the enemy being exposed to 
a galling fire from the battery, both in front and fiank, 
and the assault on the opposite side of the town having 
been repulsed, a general retreat immediately followed, 
and the colonists were again victorious. 

Mr. Ashmun received three musket-balls through his 
clothes ; three of the men stationed at one of the 
guns were dangerously wounded ; and not three rounds 
of ammunition remained after the action. Had a third 
attack been made, the colony must have been conquered ; 
or had the first attack occurred before the arrival of 
Mr. Ashmun, it would have been extirpated. But its 
foundations were now secured by a firm and lasting 
peace. 

The British colonial schooner Prince Regent, with a 
prize crew in charge of Midshipman Gordon, R. N^., 
opportunely arrived, wdth Major Laing, the African 
traveller, on board, by whose influence the kings, being 
tired of the war, signed a truce, agreeing to submit all 
their difierences with the colony to the Governor of 
Sierra Leone. Midshipman Gordon and his crew vol- 



128 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

unteered to assist the colonists, and see that the truce 
was preserved inviolate. The Prince Eegent furnished 
a liberal supply of ammunition. Four weeks after sail- 
ing, Midshipman Gordon and eight of his men had 
fallen victims to the malaria of this climate, so inimi- 
cal to the constitution of white men. 

At this period, 1823, the"~colonists were in a sad con- 
dition : their provisions were nearly consumed, trade 
exhausted, lands untilled, houses but partially covered ; 
the rainy season was approaching, and the people, in 
many instances, had become indolent and improvident. 
Captain Spence, of the Cyane, arrived at the Cape, and 
proceeded to adopt efficient measures for the benefit of 
the colony. He fitted out the schooner Augusta, under 
the command of Lieutenant Dashiell, with orders to 
cruise near the settlement and render it aid. Dr. Dix, 
the surgeon of the Cyane, died of the fever. Upon her 
leaving the coast, Eichard Seaton, the captain's clerk, 
volunteered to remain as an assistant to Mr. Ashmun. 
In the course of two or three months he fell a victim to 
the fever, and his death was soon followed by that of 
Lieutenant Dashiell, of the Augusta. On the home- 
ward-bound passage of the Cyane forty of the crew 
died from the efiects of the African climate, superadded 
to those of the climate of the West Indies, where she 
had been cruising previously to proceeding to the Afri- 
can coast. 



ATROCITIES OF KING BOATSWAIN. 129 

The slave-trade had received no effectual check. 
King Boatswain, although one of the best friends of the 
colony, partook in no degree of the views for which it 
had been established, and at this time committed an 
act of great atrocity, in making an attack at night upon 
an inoffensive tribe, murdering all the adults and in- 
fants, and seizing upon the boys and girls, in order to 
fulfil his engagements with a French slaver. 

In the month of May, Dr. Ayres brought a reinforce- 
ment of sixty emigrants. He announced his appoint- 
ment as the government and colonial agent. Mr. Ash- 
mun was at the same time informed that a bill drawn 
by him to defray expenses for the necessities of the 
colony had been dishonored, and that the board of di- 
rectors of the society had withdrawn from him all au- 
thority except as sub-agent. Yery soon after this, Dr. 
Ayres was obliged on account of ill health again to 
leave for the United States. Had Mr. Ashmun acted 
under the impressions of indignation naturally flowing 
from such treatment, the colony would have been ut- 
terly extinguished. But he was of nobler spirit than to 
yield to any such motive, and therefore resolved to re- 
main in this helpless and disorganized community, 
sending home at the same time to the board a proposal 
that he should receive from them less than one-third 
the sum which a man of ordinary diligence might in 
his position gain by traffic. This proposal he had 



130 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

made from the most honorable sense of duty, in order 
in fact that the people for whom he had done and suf- 
fered so much should not utterly perish. And yet he 
had the mortification to learn afterwards that the di- 
rectors, influenced by slanderous reports to the detri- 
ment of his character, had refused to sanction this pro- 
posal. 

At this period a number even of the principal colo- 
nists became disaffected, in consequence of the regula- 
tions of the board, requiring that any emigrant who re- 
ceived rations from the public store, should contribute 
two days' labor in a week on the public works. About 
twelve of the colonists not only refused work and threw 
off all restraint, but exerted their influence to induce 
others to follow their example. Soon after this occur- 
rence Mr. Ashmun published the following notice : 

" There are in the colony more than a dozen healthy 
persons who will receive no more provisions out of the 
public store until they earn them." On the 19th of 
December he directed the rations of the offending party 
to be stopped. This led to a riotous assembly at the 
agent's house, which endeavored by denunciations to 
drive him from his purpose ; but finding him inflexible, 
they then proceeded to the public store, where the com- 
missary was issuing rations to the colonists, and each 
one seized a portion of the provisions and hastened to 
their homes. 



ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ASHMUK 131 

The same day Mr. Aslimmi directed a circular to 
the people, in which he strongly appealed to their pa- 
triotism and conscience. This measm*e induced the 
disaffected to return to their duty. The leader of the 
sedition acknowledged his error, and by his subsequent 
good conduct fully redeemed his character. 

A faithful history of the colony would furnish, at in- 
tervals, a dark shady as well as a sunny side. The 
friends of the cause are prone to exaggerate its success, 
while its enemies regard the colored race, judging them 
in their condition when in contact with the whites, to 
be incapable of developing the mind and character, 
which, under their own independent government, is 
now manifested. 

Early in February, 1824, a vessel arrived, after a 
short passage, with one hundred and five emigrants in 
good condition. 

Mr. Ashmun had heard nothing from the board for 
some time after the departure of Dr. Ayres ; and find- 
ing his health beginning to fail, and that his services 
had been received with calumny instead of approba- 
tion, he appKed to be relieved from the service of the 
board. After making this application, he appointed 
Elijah Johnson to act as agent during his absence, and 
proceeded to the Cape Yerde Islands in the hope of 
recruiting his health, and finding some government ves- 
sel at that place. 



132 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The navy department, on application by the society, 
ordered the U. S. schooner Porpoise, Lieutenant Com- 
mandant Skinner, with the Eev. E. E. Gnrley, to pro- 
ceed to the coast of Africa. These gentlemen were 
appointed by the government and society to examine 
into the affairs of the colony, and into the reports in 
circulation prejudicial to the agent. The Porpoise 
reached the Cape Yerde Islands soon after Mr. Ash- 
mun's arrival there ; and he returned with the com- 
missioners to the colony. As the result of communi- 
cations received by the board from the commissioners, 
Messrs. Skinner and Gnrley, a resolution was passed, 
completely exonerating Mr, Ashmun from the calum- 
nious charges which had been made against him, and 
expressing their cordial approbation of his conduct. 

The commissioners, on the conclusion of their inves- 
tigation, deeply impressed with the zeal and ability of 
Mr. Ashmun, left him in charge of the colony as for- 
merly. But previously to the reception of the report of 
the commissioners, and of the resolution above noticed, 
that body had appointed Dr. John W. Peaco, already 
selected as the agent of the government, to be their 
agent also. On the 25th of April, after their acquittal 
of Mr. Ashmun, they modified this resolution by reap- 
pointing him colonial agent, requesting and authorizing 
Dr. Peaco to give assistance and support to Mr. Ash- 
mun in the fulfilment of his duties, and to assume the 



ANNEXATION, 133 

charge of those duties, in case of ^'the absence, ina- 
bility, or death of Mr. Ashmnn." 

At the suggestion of the commissioners, a greater 
share in the gOYernment of the colony was conferred on 
the people. The general consequence of these proceed- 
ings was, that comparative tranquillity and energy pre- 
vailed. 

Mr. Ashmun had made the important acquisition of 
the rich tract of land, afterwards the location of the set- 
tlement on the St, Paul's River, extending twenty miles 
into the interior, and of unequalled fertility. The col- 
ony now seemed to be emerging from the difficulties 
which often had threatened its very existence. Four 
day-schools, in addition to the Sunday-schools, were in 
operation ; two churches had been erected ; a religious 
influence more generally pervaded the community ; the 
acclimating fever was becoming less fatal ; many of the 
colonists preferred the climate to that of the United 
States ; they were living in comparative comfort. In 
addition to the rich tract of country lying on St. Paul's 
Eiver, the right of occupancy was obtained at Young 
Cesters and Grand Bassa. The adjoining tribes re- 
garded the colonists so favorably as to desire to come 
partially under their jurisdiction; and sixty of their 
children were adopted as children of the colony. A 
Spanish slave-factory, near Monrovia, was destroyed, 
and the slaves recaptured and freed by the colonists. 



134 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

At Ti-adetown, there were three slave-factories, 
guarded by two armed vessels, with crews of thirty 
men each, besides twenty men, mostly Spaniards, well 
armed, on shore. On the 9th of April, the Colnmbian 
man-of-war schooner " San Jacinto," Captain Chase, 
arrived at Monrovia, and offered to co-operate with Mr. 
Ashmun and Dr. Peaco for the purpose of breaking up 
this slave establishment. The offer was accepted ; and 
Mr. Ashmun, accompanied by Captain Cochran, of the 
" Indian Chief," who gallantly volunteered his services, 
with two companies of the colonial militia, embarked 
in the San Jacinto for Tradetown. There they fortu- 
nately found the Columbian man-of-war-brig "El Yin- 
cendor," Captain Cottrell, mounting twelve guns ; 
which vessel had, the same afternoon, captured one oi 
the slave-vessels, the brigantine Teresa. Captain Cot- 
trell united his forces with the others. 

On the following morning, while the vessels covered 
the landing, they pulled for the shore, through a pas- 
sage of not more than five or six fathoms wide, lined on 
both sides with rocks, and across which, at times, the 
surf broke furiously, endangering the boats and the 
lives of the assailants. The boat in which were Mr. 
Ashmun and Captain Cottrell was capsized in the surf, 
and a number of men were thrown upon the rocks. 
Nothing daunted, although Mr. Ashmun was badly in- 
jured, they made a dash upon the enemy, which was 



EXPEDITION AGAINST SLAVERS. 135 

met by a galling fire from the Spanish, slavers. The 
colonists and their allies rapidly advanced upon the 
town, demolished their slight palisades, and before the 
enemy had time to rally behind their defences, forced 
them to retreat, in great confusion, into the jnngle. 

As soon as the colonists fonnd themselves in quiet 
possession of the town, Mr. Ashmnn demanded from 
King West the delivery of all the slaves belonging to 
the factories. The king was told that if this was not 
complied with, not a vestige of Tradetown shonld be 
left. On the same day the Kroomen of King West 
brought in thirty or forty slaves, evidently the refuse 
of those which they held. 

The natives, notwithstanding, collected, and, in con- 
junction with the Spaniards, continued to rush ont occa- 
sionally from the jnngle and direct their fire npon the 
invaders. The surgeon of the San Jacinto was badly 
wounded, and several of the colonists slightly. A 
peaceable settlement was now impossible. On the 
12th.^ after the recaptured slaves had been sent on 
board, the town was fired, and at three o'clock all were 
embarked. The explosion of two hundred kegs of pow- 
der consummated the destruction of Tradetown. 

The annihilation of Ti'adetown and of the slave-fac- 
tories was a severe blow to the traffic, which was felt 
as far south as the Bight of Benin. It convinced the 
slave-traders that their commerce was insecure, inas- 



136 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

much as a powerful enemy to their crimes had gained 
a permanent establishment on the coast. 

Here is developed an influence for the suppression of 
the most atrocious commerce which has ever existed. 
The writer, however, by no means concurs in opinion 
with the zealous friends of colonization, that the slave- 
trade can be suppressed on the entire coast of Africa 
by Liberia alone. Yet it is an established fact that 
within her jurisdiction of six hundred miles of sea-coast 
and thirty miles inland, it has been effectually extir- 
pated. 

At this period many piratical vessels, well armed, 
were hovering about the coast. A brig from Portland, 
and a schooner from Baltimore, were robbed of a large 
amount of specie, by a vessel mounting twelve guns, 
manned principally by Spaniards. Scarcely an Ameri- 
can merchant vessel had, for a year or more, been on 
the coast as low down as 6" ISTorth, without suffering 
either insult or plunder from these vessels. Mr. Ash- 
mun then erected a battery for the protection of vessels 
at anchor, while he represented to the Secretary of the 
Kavy the necessity of the constant presence of a man-of- 
war on the African coast for the protection of legal 
commerce. 

Five of the most important stations from Cape Mount 
to Tradetown, one hundred and fifty miles, now be- 
longed to the colony by purchase or perpetual lease, 



INCIDENTS IN THE COLONIAL HISTORY. 137 

and all Europeans were excluded, or attempted to be, 
from possessions within their limits. On the 18th of 
August, Dr. Peaco was compelled from ill health to re- 
turn to the United States. 

The native chiefs not unfrequently proposed to the 
colonists to aid them in their wars, promising as an 
inducement the whole of the enemy's country. This 
was of course declined, on the ground that the colony 
was established for the benefit, and not for the destruc- 
tion of their neighbors ; and that their military means 
were sacred to the purpose of self-defence. The kings 
were now favorable to the colony, and began to appre- 
ciate the benefits of legal trade. 

The U. S. schooner Sharh^ and the U. S. sloop-of-war 
Ontario^ arrived on the coast during the year 1827, 
and besides affording aid to the colony, rendered good 
service towards the suppression of the slave-trade. 

A reinforcement of emigrants was received; the 
school system reorganized and put in comparatively ef- 
ficient condition, under the superintendence of the Eev. 
G. M'Gill, a colored teacher. The schools were all 
taught by colored people : the number of scholars 
amounted to two hundred and twenty-seven, of whom 
forty-five were natives. The native children belonged 
to the principal men in the adjoining country. 

The Chief of Cape Mount, fifty-two miles E". E. from 
Cape Mesurado, entered into stipulations with the colo- 



138 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

nial government to establish a large factory for legal 
trade between it and the interior. The land north of 
the St. John's Kiver, about sixty miles southeast of Cape 
Mesurado, was ceded to the colonists. In this extent of 
territory there were eight eligible sites, upon which 
comfortable settlements have been founded. Four 
schooners were built. The colony was mainly support- 
ed by its own industry. The life of this industry was, 
however, rather in trade and commerce than in agri- 
culture, the fact being overlooked that men ought to 
seek in the latter the sources of their prosperity. Libe- 
ria has suffered from the w^ant of steady agricultural 
effort. Industry like that of our Puritan ' fathers in 
New England, would, with the Liberian soil and cli- 
mate, have prevented the recurrence of difficulty, and 
produced uninterrupted abundance. 

On leaving Liberia, the commander of the " Ontario" 
permitted eight of his crew, colored men, to remain, 
furnishing them with a valuable collection of seeds, ob- 
tained in the Mediterranean and up the Archipelago. 
On his arrival in the United States, the captain bore 
testimony to the encouraging prospects of the colony, 
and its salutary influence over the native tribes. 

Mr. Ashmun's health failing from excessive labors in 
the administration of the government, he was seized 
in July, 1828, with a violent fever, and having been 



DEATH AND CHARACTER OF ASHMUN. 139 

adyised by his surgeon that a return to the United 
States afforded the only hope of his recovery, he left 
Africa on the twenty-fifth of March, 1828, and reached 
JSTew Haven, where he died on the twenty-fifth of Au- 
gust. Of Ashmun it may be said, that he united the 
qualities of a hero and statesman. He found the colo- 
ny on the brink of extinction : he left it in peace and 
prosperity. He trained a peo^ole who were unorgan- 
ized and disunited, to habits of discipline and self-reli- 
ance ; and to crown his character, when death ap- 
proached, he met it with that unshaken hope of a 
blissful immortality, which the true Christian alone can 
experience. 

The remains of this honored martyr to the cause of 
African colonization repose in the cemetery at l^ew 
Haven. At his funeral the Eev. Dr. Bacon, preaching 
a sermon from the text, "To what purpose is this 
waste," said : 

" Who asks to what purpose is this waste ? He is 
not dead to usefulness. His works still live. The 
light which he has kindled shall yet cheer nations un- 
born. His influence shall never die. What parent 
would exchange the memory of such a departed son, 
for the embrace of any living one ! I would that w^e 
could stand together on the promontory of Cape Mesu- 
rado, and see what has been accomplished by those 



140 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

toils and exposures, which have cost this man his life. 
Years and ages hence, when the African mother shall 
be able to sit with her children nnder the shade of her 
native palm, without trembling in fear of the man- 
stealer and murderer, she will speak his name with 
thankfulness to God." 



CHAPTEE XIIL 

LOT CAREY DR. RANDALL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIBERIA 

HERALD WARS "WITH THE DEYS SLOOP-OF-WAR " JOHN^ 

ADAMs" DIFFICULTIES OF THE GOVERNMENT CONDITION 

OF THE SETTLERS. 

Fkom tlie hands of Mr. Ashinnn, the government of 
the colony deyolved npon the Rev. Lot Carey, whom 
necessity and the clahxis of Inmianity made a physician 
and a governor. Such education as he conkl obtain 
when a slave, terminated in his becoming a Baptist 
preacher. The colony was more indebted to him than 
to any other man, except Ashmnn, for its memorable de- 
fence in 1822. Dnring the few months of Dr. Carey's 
administration, the affairs of the colony were j^rosper- 
ons. His death was cansed, with that of eight others, 
by an explosion, while filling cartridges in the old 
agency-honse, Mr. Waring was elected to supply the 
vacancy occasioned by Carey's decease. 

The society appointed Dr. Richard Randall as suc- 
cessor to Ashmun, who, accompanied by Dr. Mechlin, 
the colored surgeon, arrived in December, 1828, and as- 
sumed the supervision of the colony. Dr. Randal! 
possessed great firmness of jDurpose, and benevolence of 



142 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

disposition, superaclclecl to extensive scientific knowl- 
edge. He had been a surgeon in the army, and after- 
wards filled the chair of chemistry in Columbia Col- 
lege. But his death, in four months after his arrival on 
the coast, deprived the colonists of his invaluable ser- 
vices. The agency then devolved upon Dr. Mechlin. 

In the followiug year. Dr. Anderson, appointed 
colonial physician and assistant agent, arrived with 
sixty emigrants. An emigrant vessel brought ninety 
recaptured slaves. She had sailed, the year previous, 
in charge of a captain wdio made a direct course for 
Monrovia, instead of keeping his northing until striking 
the northeast trades ; and, after being at sea ninety 
days, was compelled to put back. Dr. Mechlin was 
induced, from ill health, to return to the United States, 
when the government devolved upon Dr. Anderson, 
who soon afterwards died, and A. D. Williams, the vice- 
agent, temporarily filled the vacancy. The schools, at 
this period, were sadly in want of competent teachers, 
which were partially supplied on the arrival of 'B.ye 
Christian missionaries from Switzerland. The arrival 
of two more emigrant vessels and two missionaries from 
the United States, had a favorable influence on the 
colonv. 

The Liberia Herald^ established the year previous, 
announced eighteen arrivals and the sailing of fourteen 
vessels in one month. In December, it says: "The 



COMMERCE AND PIRACY. 143 

beach is lined with Liberians of all ages, from twelve to 
fifty years, eager in the pursuit of traffic, and in the 
acquisition of camw^ood ; and it is astonishing what lit- 
tle time is necessary to qualify, even the youngest, to 
drive as hard a bargain as any roving merchant from 
the land of steady habits, with his assortment of tin- 
ware, nutmegs, books, or dry-goods. Here the simile 
ends ; for it is to be wished that our Liberians would 
follow their prototype in the mother country through- 
out, and be as careful in keeping as acquiring. The 
Liberian is certainly a great man ; and, what is more, 
by the natives he is considered a white man, though 
many degrees from that stand ; for to be thought ac- 
quainted with the white man's fashions, and to be 
treated as one, are considered as marks of great distinc- 
tion among the Bassa and other nations." The amount 
of exports had reached the sum of eighty-nine thou- 
sand dollars. 

Piracy still continued rife. There was no American 
squadron then on the coast. The schooner Mesurado 
was captured off Cape Momit, and all hands put to 
death. But while the native commerce was thus ex- 
posed and almost destroyed, the colony was extending 
its limits. The petty kings offered to come under its 
jurisdiction, on condition that settlers should be placed 
upon their lands, and schools established for the benefit 
of the native children. 



144: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The aiTivals of emigrants became more frequent : six 
hundred being added to the colony during one year. 
These suffered comparatively little in the acclimating 
process. 

In the year 1832, the colonists were again called to 
take the field against the Deys and a combination of 
other tribes. Several slaves had escaped, and sought 
protection in the colony ; upon which the settlements 
at Caldwell and Mills were threatened with destruction. 
A brisk action, of half an hour, resulted in favor of the 
Liberians. This victory made an impression on the 
minds of the natives favorable to the future peace of 
the settlers. The chiefs who had been conquered ap- 
peared in Monrovia, and signed a treaty of peace, 
guaranteeing that traders from the interior should be 
allowed a free passage through their territories. The 
agent received a significant message from his old friend, 
King Boatswain, stating, that had he known of the hos- 
tility of the chiefs, it would have been unnecessary for 
the colonists to have marched against them. 

Captain Yoorhees, of the U. S. sloop-of-war John 
Adams^ on his homeward-bound passage from the 
Mediterranean, in a letter to the Secretary of the 
Navy, reported favorably of the condition in which he 
found the colony. 

In January, 1834, the Eev. J. B. Pinney, as colonial 
agent, and Dr. G. P. Todsen, as physician, with nine 



CORRECTION OF ABUSES. 145 

missionaries, arrived at Monrovia, and were formally 
received by tlie civil and military officers, and uniform 
companies. Mr. Pinney, in entering npon the duties 
of Ms office, found many abuses, which he promptly 
corrected. He resurveyed the lands; repaired the 
public buildings; satisfied the public creditors; and 
extinguished the jealousy between two tribes of recap- 
tured Africans, by allowing each to elect its own offi- 
cers. After a short and efficient administration, he was 
compelled, from ill health, to retire, when the agency 
devolved on Dr. Skinner. 

The Liberia Herald, in 1835, was edited by Hilary 
Teage, a colored man, who was one of the small party 
first settled at Cape Mesurado. Mr. Teage filled various 
public offices of trust and emolument. He made an 
argument before the General Assembly in a divorce 
case, in 1851 (when the Perry was at Monrovia), for 
beauty of diction and sound logic seldom surpassed. 
The August number of the Herald states: "On the 
9th instant, the brig Louisa arrived from ITorfolk, Yir- 
ginia, with forty-six emigrants, thirty-eight of whom 
are recaptured Africans, principally, we believe, from 
the Nunez and Pargos. They are a strolling people. 
A number of their countrymen, and among them some 
acquaintances, have found their way to this settlement : 
they were hailed by their redeemed brethren with the 
most extravagant expressions of joy." 

7 



146 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

From January to September there were nine arrivals 
of emigrants, whicli produced a great sensation among 
the native tiibes : they gravely came to the conclusion 
that rice had given out in America, and suggested to 
the colonists to send word for the people to plant more, 
" or black man will have no place for set down." 
Dr. Skinner, suffering from ill health, returned to the 
United States, and the government devolved on A. D. 
Williams, the vice agent. 

The revenue from imports had disappeared to an 
extent which the vouchers of the disbursing officers 
did not explain. The editor of the Herald, after noti- 
cing the excitement at that period in the United States, 
on the passage of the " Sub-Treasury Law," quaintly 
remarked that " their treasury was all sub." 

In the year 1837, the Mississippi Society established 
its new settlement, Greenville, on the Sinoe Kiver. 
There were, therefore, at this period in Liberia : Mon- 
rovia, under the American Colonization Society ; Bassa 
Cove, of the ISTew York and Pennsylvania Societies ; 
Greenville, of the Mississippi Society ; and Cape Pal- 
mas, of the Maryland Society. These contained ten or 
twelve towns, and between four and ^ve thousand 
emigrants. 

Here was a mass of conflictinp; or disconnected 
organizations, with separate sources of authority, and 
separate systems of management; without common 



EVIL TENDENCIES. 147 

head or commoii sj)irit. Eacli colony was isolated 
amid encompassing barbarism, and far more likely, if 
left to itself, to fall back nnder tbe power of tliat which 
surrounded it, than to establish good policy or civiliza- 
tion among any portion of the savage African commu- 
nities with which they were brought in contact. It 
was anticipated that intercourse and example, and the 
temptation of profit, would make them slavers ; and it 
was said that they were so. This, although untrue, was 
perhaps only prevented by a change ; for it now became 
evident, that the existing state of things was unsuitable 
and dangerous to the objects contemplated. 



CHAPTEK XIY. 

THE COMMONWEALTH OP LIBERIA THOMAS H. BUCHANAN 

VIEWS OF DIFFERENT PARTIES DETACHED CONDITION OF THE 

COLONY NECESSITY OF UNION ESTABLISHMENT OF A COM- 
MONWEALTH USE OF THE AMERICAN FLAG IN THE SLAVE- 
TRADE — " Euphrates" — sloop " campbell" — slavers at 

BASSA expedition AGAINST THEM CONFLICT GALLINAS. 

Thomas H. Buchanan, afterwards governor of Liberia 
when it became a commonwealtb, bad reached Africa, 
in 1836, as agent of tbe New York and Pennsylvania 
Societies, and bad acquired great experience, in estab- 
lishing and superintending, during two years, the settle- 
ment at the Bassa country. 

He had thus time to appreciate the condition of things 
around him, before he was called to the prominent 
station which he adorned as the first governor of the 
commonwealth. It needed a keen eye to see light, if 
any was to be got at all, through the wretched entangle- 
ment of interests, vices, associations, colonies, jurisdic- 
tions of natives and foreigners, which then existed. It 
needed great tact, and a strong hand, to bring any thing 
like order out of such confusion. 

The United States had at least three associations at 
work, besides that of Maryland, each with its own little 



WANT OF UNION IN THE COLONY. 149 

colony, established in such spots as chance seems to 
have directed. These occupied three districts of a 
tolerably definite character. There was the original 
settlement at Cape Mesnrado, with a wing stretching 
to the north, so as to rest on the expanded lagoon at 
Cape Mount, and another wing dipping into the Junk 
River at the south. This was in a measure " the 
empire state," containing Monrovia, the capital, and 
several agricultural villages around it; but the Mon- 
rovians and theii* fellow-colonists were not, on the 
whole, much given to agricultural pm'suits. They were 
shrewd at driving a trade, and liked better to compete 
for some gallons of palm oil, or sticks of camwood, 
than to be doing their duty to their fields and gardens. 
They had, besides, the politics and the military con- 
cerns of the nation to supervise, and were called upon 
to adjust claims with the neighboring settlements. The 
Bassa Cove villages, constituting the second district, 
were settling down and strengthening, after their visi- 
tation of violence and rapacity from the natives. Sinoe, 
the third district, with its fine river and rich lands, had 
received the settlement at Greenville, then flourishing. 
These two latter bore a very ill-defined relation to the 
older station at Monrovia, and to each other. Tliere 
were in the territories claimed by all of them as hav- 
ing passed justly and by amicable means under their 
jurisdiction, various native tribes, with their kings and 



150 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

half kings ; sometimes wise enongli to see the advan- 
tages offered to them ; sometimes pre-eminently wise in 
having stipulated, that in return for the territory they 
-gave np, schools should be provided to teach them 
" sense," " book ;" sometimes sorely perplexed by the 
new state of things, and always sorely tempted by 
strong habits, and by people at hand to take advantage 
of them. 

It is to be remarked that between these three settle- 
ments there were two intervals of sea-coast, each about 
one hundred miles, which were foreign in regard 
to the colonies. There were also battle-fields, where 
slavers afloat and slavers ashore, with the occasional 
help of a pirate, and the countenance of Spain and Por- 
tugal, were ready to resist colonial authority, and even 
to withstand the opposition which they might encoun- 
ter from cruisers and other sources. There w^ere honest 
traders, also ; that is, those who were honest as things 
went there, dropping their anchor everywhere as they 
could get purchasers for their rum and gunpowder. 
Nor had European powers yet made up their minds 
how the colonies and their claims were to be treated. 

The necessity of union was a clear case to every man, 
and Buchanan prepared himself to accomplish it. The 
Bassa Cove people entertained sentiments not very con- 
ciliatory towards the Monrovians. The Mississippi 
people of Sinoe might come under suspicion next. 



A COI^STITUTION FORMED. ' 151 

and no one could imagine liow far the eyii wonld 
extend. 

This state of things was clearly understood among the 
friends of the American Colonization Society and of 
the State societies, and the corrective was applied. A 
committee, comprising the names of Charles F. Mercer, 
Samuel L. Southard, Matthew St. Clair Clark, and 
Elisha Whittlesey, met at Washington, and drew up a 
common constitution for the colonies. Mr. Whittlesey 
moved, and the motion was adopted, ''That no white 
man should become a landholder in Liberia," and that 
full rights of citizenshijD should be enjoyed by colored 
men alone. Political suffrage was extended to all adult 
males, and slavery was absolutely prohibited. 

This constitution divided the territory into two prov- 
inces or counties, and having been acceded to and 
acted on by the different colonies, superseded and 
abolished the political relations of the separate estab- 
lishments to the associations which had preceded it. 

The American Colonization Society retained the 
right to disapprove, or veto, the acts of the local legis- 
lature. This last particular, as an indication of national 
dependence, was the characteristic distinguishing the 
commonwealth from the republic subsequently estab- 
lished. 

The emancipation of the negroes under the English 
government was now taking effect. Tlie United States 



152 APRICA A^D THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

government were beginning to realize tlie expediency 
of keeping permanently a naval force on the west coast 
of Africa ; and notwithstanding difficulties and appre- 
hensions resting gloomily on the future, Governor Bu- 
chanan, on landing with the new constitution, at Mon- 
rovia, on the first of April, 1839, seems to have inaugu- 
rated a new era for the African race. 

He arrived with a full supply of guns and ammuni- 
tion, furnished mostly from the navy department, 
besides a large quantity of agricultural implements, 
and a sugar-mill. The constitution was at once 
approved by the Monrovians, and in course of time it 
was accepted by the entire three colonies. 

A firm stand was taken against the slave-trade, and 
the governor succeeded in getting the legislature at 
Monrovia and the people to back him in efibrts to sup- 
press it. His indignant appeals and strong-handed 
measures had their effect in turning the attention of our 
government to the use of the American flag in the 
slave-trade as a protection from British cruisers. Hear 
him ; " The chief obstacle to the success of the very 
active measures pursued by the British government for 
the suppression of the slave-trade on the coast, is the 
American flag. Never was the proud banner of free- 
dom so extensively used by those pirates upon liberty 
and humanity as at this season." He did not stop at 
words. An American schooner named the Euphrates^ 



IMMUl^ITY OF AMERICAN SLAVERS. 153 

which had been boarded fifteen times, and three times 
•sent to Sierra Leone, and escaped condemnation on ac- 
count of her nationality, was brought into Monrovia 
by a British cruiser, and instantly seized by Governor 
Buchanan, for the purpose of sending her to the United 
States for trial, on suspicion of being engaged in the 
slave-trade. 

It may here be remarked that not only this vessel, 
but the American sloop " CamjpbeW^ was also de- 
tained, and taken to Governor Buchanan, under simi- 
lar circumstances. These proceedings were in direct 
violation of our doctrine as to the inviolability of Amer- 
ican vessels by foreign interference ; and he had no right 
to authorize or connive at English cruisers interfering 
in any degree with such vessels. These circumstances, 
together with the report of Governor Buchanan, that 
"The Euphrates is one of a number of vessels, whose 
names I have forwarded as engaged in the slave-trade, 
under American colors," will show the extent to which 
the American flag has been used in the traffic ; and to 
those who have patriotism and humanity enough to 
vindicate the rights of that flag against foreign authority, 
and resist its prostitution to the slave-trade, it will con- 
clusively prove the necessity of a well-appointed Amer- 
ican squadron being permanently stationed on the 
west coast of Africa. 

Tlie Euphrates being placed in the hands of Governor 



154: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Buclianan, who had resolved on sending her to the 
United States for trial, was made available in a crisis 
when she proved of singular service as a reformed 
criminal against her old trade. 

A Spanish slaver had established himself at Little 
Bassa, within fifty miles of the capital. The governor 
prohibited the purchase of slaves, and ordered the 
Spaniard off. This he disregarded. An Englishman, 
in the character of a legal trader, sided with the Span- 
iard. The governor, on Monday, the 22d of Jnly, dis- 
patched a force of one hmidi^ed men by land to dislodge 
the slavers and destroy the barracoons. The respecta- 
bility, or the safety of the colony, which is the same 
thing, in its dealings with the mass of corrupted barba- 
rians with which it was begirt, required summary 
measures. Three small schooners were sent down the 
coast with ammunition to assist the land force at Little 
Bassa. A fresh southerly wind, however, prevented 
these vessels from reaching their destination, leaving 
the land forces in a perilous predicament. Affairs 
looked gloomy at Monrovia as the schooners returned, 
after beating in vain for sixty hom'S. 

At this juncture the schooner Euphrates, which had 
been seized as a slaver, was put in requisition. Being 
supplied with arms and ammunition, the governor him- 
self, in three hours after the return of the vessels, was 
aboard, and the schooner sailed for the scene of action. 



ATTACK UPON BARRACOONS. 155 

Being a clipj>er^ she soon beat down the coast, and an- 
chored before daylight off Little Bassa. On the morn- 
ing of the fifth day after the colonial force had marched, 
a canoe was sent ashore to ascertain the state of things. 
The rapid daybreak showed that there was work to be 
done ; for as the barracoon, standing in its little patch 
of clearance in the forest, became distinguishable, the 
discharge of musketry from without, replied to from 
within, showed plainly that beleaguering and beleaguer- 
ed parties, whoever they might be, had watched 
through the night, to renew their interrupted strife in 
the morning. 

It was a surprise to both parties, to find a well-known 
slaver at hand, and ready to take a part in the fray. 
The governor learned by the canoe on its return, that 
the colonists had seized and were holding the barracoon 
against the slavers and the chiefs, with the whole hue 
and cry of the country in arms to help them. These 
naturally hailed the Euphrates as an ally; and Bu- 
chanan foresaw the certainty of a fatal mistake on the 
part of his people, in case he should land and attempt 
to march up the beach, with the men he had, under 
the fire which, without some explanation, would be 
drawn upon him from the palisades of the barracoon. 

In this emergency, an American sailor volunteered 
to convey the necessary intelligence to the besieged. 
In pulling off in the Kroomen's canoe, he necessarily 



156 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

became the object of attention and mistake to both par- 
ties. The besiegers rushed down to meet him with a 
friendly greeting, while Elijah Johnson sent a party to 
intercept him as an enemy. The sailor's bearing showed 
both parties, almost simultaneously, that they were 
wrong. The enemy, who had seized him, were charged 
by the colonists. A fellow, grasping a knife to stab 
him, was knocked down by a shot ; the sailor was res- 
cued, and taken into the barracoon. 

Buchanan, aware how this would engage the atten- 
tion of the combatants, had taken the men with him in 
the two small boats, and was pulling for the shore. 
The governor's boat capsized in the surf, but with no 
other harm than a ducking, he made his way safely to 
the barracoon. A brisk fight continued for some time ; 
but, at meridian the day following, the indefatigable 
governor had embarked with the goods seized ; and he 
retm-ned to Monrovia for a fresh supply of ammunition. 
On his reaching again the scene of action, the refractory 
chiefs were persuaded to submit. With three of the 
slavers as prisoners, and about a dozen liberated slaves, 
he then returned to the capital. 

At this period, the Gallinas, at the north of which 
the Sherboro Island shuts in the wide mouth of the 
river of the same name, was a den of thieves. Cesters, 
at the south, was not much better. Governor Buchanan 
was compelled to lean on the support of the British 



SLAVERS; "WORKING A TRAVERSE." 157 

cruisers. In fact, it is obvious tliat Liberia could not 
have been founded earlier than it was, except it bad 
been sustained by some sucb authority, or directly by 
that of the United States. An older and firmer condi- 
tion of the slave-trade influence would have crushed it 
in its birth. A few of the lawless ruffians, with their 
well-armed vessels, who once frequented this coast, 
could easily have done this. For want of an American 
squadron, the governor assumed an authority to which 
he w^as not entitled. 

Every thing was reduced to a regular mercantile 
system in carrying on the slave-trade. We have the 
schooner " Hugh Boyle," from ITewYork, with a crew of 
nine American citizens, coming to the coast, and having 
as passengers a crew of ten " citizens of the world," 
or from somewhere else. She is American, with an 
American crew and papers, until she gets her slaves 
on board ; then her American citizens become passen- 
gers, and the " citizens of the world" take their place 
as the crew, till she gets her slaves into Cuba. 

Governor Buchanan, in one of his dispatches, dated 
J^ovember 6th, 1839, writes : " "When at Sierra Leone, 
I visited a small schooner of one hundred and twenty 
tons, which was just brought in, ^iihfour hundred and 
twenty-seven slaves on board ; and of all scenes of mis- 
ery I ever saw, this was most overpowering. My cheek 
tingled with shame and indignation, when I was told 



158 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

that the same vessel, the Mary Gushing^ had come 
on the coast, and was sailed for some time under Amer- 
can colors. When taken, the American captain was on 
board. He had not arrived when I left Sierra Leone, 
but the governor, at my instance, promised to send 
him down here, and deliver him up to me, to be sent 
to the United States. Is there any hope that our gov- 
ernment will hang him ?" 

It is a question whether Buchanan had, as the agent 
of a private association, or the agent of the govern- 
ment for recaptured Africans, any right to seize the 
goods of British traders, or hold in custody the persons 
of Americans. But the governor was a man for the 
time and circumstances, as, taking " the responsibility," 
he determined to do right, and let the law of nations 
look out for itself. 



CHAPTEK XV. 

Buchanan's administration continued — death of king 
boatswain war with gaytumba attack on hedding- 

TON EXPEDITION OF BUCHANAN AGAINST GAYTUMBA — - 

DEATH OF BUCHANAN HIS CHARACTER. 

When a frontier rests on a savage territory, a "good 
look ont" must be kept there, and upon every tking 
beyond it, as the Hollander watches his dykes and the 
sea. Liberia had to watch an early ally and friend ot 
very equivocal character, already known as King Boat- 
swain. He had founded a new Kome, like Romulus, 
of ragamuffins. He had made a kind of pet of Li- 
beria, and perhaps intended to give up slaving, and 
take to better courses. E"othing better, however, came 
in his way, till all his courses ended. 

The death of Boatswain, whose tribe was of his own 
creation, was followed by confusion among them. 
Gaytumba, an unscrupulous and ready man, with the 
assistance of Gotera, succeeded to the chief share ot 
influence in the tribe. The L>eys, from whom the co- 
lonial territory had been purchased, were near neigh- 
bors, and most convenient subjects for the slave-trade. 
An assault was accordingly made, and many secured. 



160 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

A small remnant of the tribe took refuge in tlie colony ; 
and Gaytmnba, not seeing any reason why they should 
not be caught and sold under colonial ^protection, as 
well as elsewhere, many were seized within the juris- 
diction of the commonwealth. 

The northern region was thus black with danger, 
and the vast woods which surrounded the settlements 
on the St. Paul's, became suspicious as a wild, unknown 
source of difficulty. There was uneasy watchfulness 
for months; and such preparations as circumstances 
would admit, were made for resistance. The storm fell 
on Heddington, a village at the extreme north of the 
settlements. 

A messenger sent to negotiate had been seized and 
put to death, and no mercy was to be expected. All 
hands were on the alert. Twenty muskets, which had 
been provided for the settlement, were prudently kept 
by the missionary, Mr. Brown, ready loaded in the 
upper story of his house, which had around it a fence of 
pickets. Two carpenters were at the time inmates of 
the dwelling: their names deserve record, for they, 
Zion Harris and Demery, constituted, with the mission- 
ary, the entire force at the point of approach. Sudden- 
ly, in the morning before the men began their work, 
they heard the yelling and crashing of three or four 
hundred savages through the bushes. 

This was Gaytumba's tribe : Gotera was at their head, 



DESPERATE DEFENCE OF HEDDINGTON. 161 

bringing with him a pot to cook the missionary for his 
next repast. Harris and Demery placed themselves 
quietly at the fence, confronting the negroes as they 
came straggling in a mass, expecting no resistance, and 
exposing themselves amid the low green leaves of a 
cassada patch. The two men fired into the thickest of 
them, and Mr. Brown commenced a destructive 
slaughter with his muskets overhead. As the mass 
heaved backwards and forwards, a furious return of 
musketry, arrows, and spears was made. Gotera, with 
some skill, disentangled himself with a band of resolute 
men, broke through the pickets at one end, and came 
upon Harris, standing defenceless, with his musket just 
discharged. He turned to grasp a hatchet, as a last 
resource, but fortunately caught a musket, which a 
wounded colonist, in running for shelter, had placed 
against the pickets, and lodged its contents in Gotera's 
breast. The death of their chief was the signal for a 
general retreat. But ashamed and indignant at not 
having secured the dead body, they attempted by a 
rush to recover it, and were again and again driven 
back, till they utterly despaired, and disappeared. This 
strange episode of war lasted an hour and twenty min- 
utes. 

The forest recovered its suspicious character from the 
prowling and threatening of the enemy spread through 
it ; and there were reports of the gathering of more dis- 



162 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tant tribes to join Gaytnmba, to make the work of 
destruction sure by an overwlielming rush upon the 
settlements. 

The governor, full of warlike foresight, saw the rem- 
edy for this state of things ; and, after screwing up the 
courage of his people, he planned an expedition against 
Gaytumba in his own den. For this purpose, a force 
of two hundred effective men, with a field-piece and a 
body of followers, assembled at Millsburg, on the St. 
Paul's Kiver. About thirty miles from this, by the air 
line, in the swampy depths of the forest, was the point 
aimed at. Many careful arrangements were necessary 
to baffle spies, and keep the disaffected at bay during 
this desperate incursion, which the governor was about 
to make into the heart of the enemy's country. The 
fine conception had this redeeming characteristic, that 
it was quite beyond the enemy's understanding. 

The force left Millsburg on Friday, 27th of March. 
Swamps and thickets soon obliged him to leave the gun 
behind. Through heavy rains, drenched and weary, 
they made their way, without any other resistance, to a 
bivouac in an old deserted town. Starting at daylight 
next morning, they forced their way through flooded 
streams and ponds, " in mud up to their knees, and 
water up to the waist." After a halt at ten o'clock 
and three hours' march subsequently, they learnt that 
the enemy had become aware of their movements, and 



CARRYING THE WAR INTO AFRICA. 163 

was watching them. About six miles from their desti- 
nation, after flomidering through the mud of a deep 
ravine, followed by a weary pull up a long hill, a sharp 
turn brought them in front of a rude barricade of felled 
trees. A fire of musketry from it brought to the ground 
Captain Snetter, of the riflemen, who was in advance 
of his men. The men made a dash on the enemy so 
suddenly that soon nobody was in front of them. The 
line moved on without stopping, and met only a strag- 
gling fire here and there, as they threaded their narrow 
path through the bushes in single file. A few men were 
wounded in this disheartening march. At length those 
in advance came to a halt before the forti*ess, and the 
rear closed up. There the line was extended, and the 
party advanced in two divisions. The place was a kind 
of square, palisaded inclosure, having outside cleared 
patches here and there, intermingled with clumps of 
brush. 

The assailants were received with a sharp fire from 
swivels and muskets, which was warmly returned. Bu- 
chanan ordered Roberts (the present president) to lead 
a reserved company round from the left, so as to take in 
reverse the face attacked. This so confounded Gay- 
tumba's garrison that they retreated, leaving every 
thing behind. The hungry colonists became their suc- 
cessors at the simmering cooking-pots. So rapid had 
the onslaught been, that the second division did not 



164: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

reacb. in time to take a hand in it. The operation was- 
thus completely successful, with the ultimate loss of 
only two men. 

The place was burnt, and a lesson given, which es- 
tablished beyond all future challenge, the power of civ- 
ilization on that coast. The banks of the St. Paul's 
Eiver, with its graceful meanderings, palm-covered 
islands, and glorious basin spreading round into the 
eastward expanse of the interior, were secured for the 
habitations of peace and prosperity. 

Great and corresponding energy was displayed by 
Buchanan in civil concerns. The legislature passed an 
act that every district should have a free school. Rules 
and regulations were established for the treatment of 
apprentices, or recaptured Africans not able to take 
care of themselves. Provision was made for paupers in 
the erection of almshouses, with schools of manual labor 
attached. The great point was, that the people had 
begun to be the government ; and there, among colored 
men, it was shown that human nature has capacity for 
its highest ends on earth, and that there is no difficulty 
or mystery in governing society, which men of com- 
mon sense and common honesty cannot overcome. 

Buchanan died in harness. Drenching, travelling 
and over-exertion, brought on a fever when far from 
the means of relief He expired on the 3d of Septem- 
ber, 1841, in the government house at Bassa. Then 



BUCHAJ7AN ; HIS WORK COMPLETED. 165 

and there was a remarkable man withdrawn from the 
work of the world. Ever through his administration 
he illustrated the motto of his heart: "The work is 
God's to which I go, and is worthy of all sacrifice." 
The narrative already given is his character and his 
enloginm. His deeds need no explanatory words — they 
have a voice to tell their own tale. 

The blow given to King Boatswain's successor, Gay- 
tnmba, nearly obliterated the predatory horde which 
he had collected : they were scarcely heard of after- 
wards. A small portion of them seem to have migrated 
northwards, so as to hang on the skirts of more settled 
tribes, and carry on still, to a small extent, the practice 
of slaving and mnrder, to which they had been accus- 
tomed. The Fishmen tribe still continued to raise some 
distm'bance. Certain points on the sea-coast gave great 
uneasiness; these points were the haunts of slavers. 
Merchant traders, at least some of them, came peddling 
along, establishing temporary factories for the disposal 
of their goods, and not unfrequently having an under- 
standing with the slavers for their mutual benefit. 



CHAPTEK XYI. 

ROBERTS GOVERNOR DIFFICULTIES WITH ENGLISH TRADERS 

POSITION OF LIBERIA IN RESPECT TO ENGLAND CASE OF THE 

"JOHN SEYES" OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF EVERETT 

AND UPSHUR TROUBLE ON THE COAST REFLECTIONS. 

Teansactions growing ont of ttie circumstances above 
mentioned, became of very grave importance. The 
rights of different nations to trade on that coast had 
been contested in war, and settled in peace, for cen- 
turies. The long l^apoleonic wars had thrown posses- 
sions and commerce, all along the coast, into the hands 
of England ; and in restoring forts and factories to dif- 
ferent nations, the intention seems to have been, to let 
every thing, with the exception of the slave-trade, 
revert to its old fashion. At existing factories, parties 
were allowed to conduct their trade in their own way, 
and to exercise whatever competing influence they 
could gain with the native powers to forward their pur- 
poses. Comparatively few of the old establishments 
were preserved. Everywhere else the coast had become 
free to all traders ; it being understood that no one was 
entitled to use measures of force to the injury of 
others. 



CLAIMS OF THE COLONY. 167 

If a private company of merchants in France, for 
instance, had taken possession of a part of the coast, 
driven off other traders, or seized and confiscated their 
goods, because they refused to pay such duties as the 
company chose to levy, the matter undoubtedly would 
have led to national complaint, and to correspondence 
between governments. If France disavowed all con- 
cern in these transactions, reparation would have been 
sought for by force. Governor Buchanan's zeal there- 
fore sometimes outran his discretion, in the outcry 
he made against the English Government, for resisting 
his interferences with their subjects, when these men 
were acting on practices of very venerable antiquity, 
or making arrangements with the natives identical with 
those which he, as the Agent of the American Coloniza- 
tion Society, was making. 

Edina, in the Bassa country, for instance, had been 
the resort of vessels of all nations. Private factories, 
for trading in ivory, palm oil, &c., were there in 1826 : 
such places were assumed to be open ground, on which 
the same might occur again, or were common property. 
Such had been the case on almost every point occupied 
by the Liberian Government : hence the levying of 
duties and the establishment of monopolies were resisted 
by English traders. 

England was bound to defend the property of her 
subjects, or to compensate them for the loss of it, if this 



168 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

occurred througli the neglect of the government. And 
it no doubt appeared very strange to Great Britain, 
that an association of Americans should claim a right 
to profit by duties levied on her vessels, when there 
was no government responsible for their acts. 

From the feeling to which these transactions had 
given rise, it was inferred that something in the shape 
of reprisals was intended by the seizure of the " John 
Seyes," a colonial schooner. But this ground was aban- 
doned, by admitting the vessel to trial before the vice- 
admiralty court, at Sierra Leone, on suspicion of being 
engaged in the slave-trade. Of this there does not ap- 
pear to have been evidence justifying even a shadow of 
suspicion. As the vessel and cargo were, by these pro- 
ceedings, really lost to their proprietor, the whole case 
offers only the most revolting features of injustice and 
oppression. There was then no American squadron on 
the coast of Africa, to look after such interests. 

This case, and many others, were in reality very hard 
and perplexing. The Liberian was virtually of no coun- 
try. His government, in the eyes of national law, was no 
government. This was an evil and threatening state of 
things. The colonial authorities could not do right 
without hazard. For it was right to extend their juris- 
diction, and regulate trade, and substitute fixed duties 
for the old irregular systems of presents or bribes to the 
chiefs. But they had not political law on their side. 



FORBEARAlfCE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 169 

They had the advantage, however, of a good era in the 
world's history. 

Mr. Everett, the American Minister to England, on 
this subject had said, in his note to Lord Aberdeen, 
30th of December, 184:3 : " The undersigned greatly 
fears, that if the right of the settlement to act as an in- 
dependent political community, and as such to enforce 
the laws necessary to its existence and prosperity, be 
denied by Her Majesty's government; and if the naval 
force of Great Britain be employed in protecting indi- 
vidual traders in violation of these laws, the effort will 
be to aim a fatal blow at its very existence.'^ 

The British government seemed to consider that a 
political community could not act as independent, 
which neither was in fact, nor professed to be, inde- 
pendent ; and also supposed that it could hardly an- 
swer to its people for acknowledging a right not 
claimed on a foundation of fact. But the Lords of the 
Admiralty gave orders to the Commodore of the squad- 
ron on the coast, for the cruisers off Liberia " to avoid 
involving themselves in contentions with the local au- 
thorities of the Liberian settlements upon points of 
uncertain legality ;" and added, " great caution is rec- 
ommended to be observed in the degree of protection 
granted to British residents, lest, in maintaining the 
supposed rights of these residents, the equal or superior 
rights of others should be violated." 

b 



170 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Mr. TJpsliur, Secretary of State, in his correspond- 
ence, announced that the American goyernment re- 
garded Liberia " as occupying a peculiar position, and 
as possessing peculiar claims to the friendly considera- 
tion of all Christian powers." There was found after- 
wards Httle difficulty in treating the matter, when put in 
this light. 

In the mean time, circumstances looked very dis- 
heartening, when the government was committed to the 
hands of Joseph' J. Eoberts ; for upon the decision of 
this question with England depended the stability and 
progress of the colonies. If they could not control their 
own shores, intercept evil, repulse wrong, and foster 
good ; if they could not expel the contrabandist, secure 
the native chiefs from being bribed to slaving and all 
kinds of evil, there was an end to their progress. 

Looking to the interior concerns, however, there was 
much that was promising. Civilization, with its peace, 
intelligence and high aims, was rooted in Africa. The 
living energy of republicanism was there. Christianity, 
in various influential forms, was among the people. 
Education was advancing, and institutions for public 
good coming into operation. Governor Buchanan had, 
among his last efforts, addressed an audience in the 
Lyceum at Monrovia. 

Schools were supporting themselves among the colo- 
nists, although, when established for the benefit of the 



HOPEFUL INDICATIONS. 171 

natives, the j were maintained hj missionary associations 
in the United States. ITative hereditary enmity and 
faction were yielding perceptibly, in all directions, to 
the gentle efficacy of Christian example. All this con- 
stituted a great result. 

The physical, material and political resources, or 
agencies, were small. A few men, in a distant land, 
had taken up the subject of African colonization 
amidst the sectional strifes, political controversies and 
gigantic enterprises of a mighty nation, and held fast to 
it. A few, of pre-eminent generosity, surrendered their 
slaves, or wealth, or personal endeavors, to forward it. 
JSTo one could stand on Cape Mesurado, and see the in- 
termingled churches and houses ; the broad expanses of 
interior waters, bordered by residences, and see a peo- 
ple elevated far, very far, to say the least, above those 
of their color in other parts of the world, without the 
consciousness that a great work was begun. To meet 
everywhere the dark-browed men of Africa, solely the 
governors of it all, indicated a great fact in the history 
of the negro race. 

Other movements among men were falling into a 
correspondence with these proceedings. A great 
awakening in regard to Africa was pervading Europe. 
The Niger expedition had entered "the valley and 
shadow of death," which extends its fatal circle round 
the white man as he penetrates among the wide la- 



172 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

goons, the luxuriant verdm^e, and sunny slopes of Afri- 
ca. Tlie world regarded it as a calamity, when the 
fatal consequence of this attempt came to light. Men 
were willing to continue the sacrifice of life and treas- 
ure, if any prospect of success should be seen. All 
entrances, north, south, east and west, were anxiously 
scrutinized to see if a safe access could be found leading 
into the land of mystery. 

The trade with the west coast was becoming the ob- 
ject of keen competition. England had for years had 
her full share, and was grasping for more ; France was 
straining every nerve, by purchase and otherwise, as of 
old, to establish herself commercially there ; while the 
United States were sending their adventurous traders to 
pick up what the change in Africa would develop. 
Something like an earnest cordial determination was 
evinced to abolish the slave-trade, and substitute for it 
the pursuits of true and beneficial commerce. 



CHAPTER XYIL 

ROBERTS* ADMINISTRATION EFFORTS IN REFERENCE TO ENGLISH 

TRADERS INTERNAL CONDITION OF LIBERIA INSUBORDINA- 
TION TREATIES WITH THE NATIVE KINGS EXPEDITION TO 

THE INTERIOR CAUSES LEADING TO A DECLARATION OF INDE- 
PENDENCE. 

The election of Roberts, a colored man, as governor 
of the commonwealth of Liberia, totally separated and 
indiyidualized the African race as the managers of 
local affairs, and made, as to internal concerns, all 
things their own. He attempted to root out the inter- 
lopers, with energy more patriotic than potent, and 
stood up strongly for the rights of his community. He 
purchased, negotiated, threatened ; and in every way 
did his best to accomplish the object. It was soon 
seen, however, that the termination of Liberian pro- 
gress as a dependent commonwealth had arrived, and 
that a change was indispensable. 

Liberia was, after all, as to its physical means, only 
a few thousands of enlightened and determined men, 
amidst an ocean of barbarism. All the emigrants 
were by no means among ^the enlightened. Some 
curious practical difficulties occurred in any political 



1Y4: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

co-operation witli their American bretliren. A gang 
of hard-headed fellows seemed to think that it was rather 
a joke, a kind of playing at government, meaning nothing 
serious ; therefore their respect and obedience to the 
constituted authorities were very limited. 

It should never be forgotten, that no change could 
be greater than that to which these men were subjected, 
in coming from countries w^here no power, authority, 
or public respect, could ever rest on their race, to a coun- 
try where colored men might exercise dominion, enact 
laws and enforce them, and by their personal qualities 
exact and attain eminence and respect. The best pos- 
sible laws are only for the best state of society, and 
men must grow to them ; otherwise they are only like 
a giant's helmet on a child's head — more a burden than 
a defence. 

The Liberians had no laws admitting of imprison- 
ment for debt. There is no harm in this, where a man 
has to borrow before he can become a debtor. But 
the case is not so easily settled, when roguery is the 
source of debt. A man who is fined when he has 
nothing to pay, laughs at the judge. So it happened 
in Liberia, to the embarrassment of the better class of 
men. 

Governor Eoberts had to keep an eye on grog-selling 
and grog-drinking. From the style of his reflections, 
he gives fair promise of becoming a strong advocate of 



THE COMMONWEALTH A MEDIATOR. 1Y5 

the '' Maine law." There was no small nnmber of cases 
of idleness, obstinacy and heedlessness of the future ; 
very natural to men whose independence of station 
was of very recent date, and whose independence of 
character was yet to come. The more credit is there- 
fore due to the firm, industrious and upright, stationed 
on the threshold of this vast, dark continent, with its 
fury and its vice ready to burst out upon them. 

The governor's resources, never very great, were 
called for to regulate the intercourse between civiliza- 
tion and barbarism ; and he found tliat the high moral 
influence of a few hundred men aroimd him, was a 
tower of strength in dealing witli the savage. All the 
kings of the northern and western districts were in- 
duced to assemble in convention in the early part of 
1843, at King Bromley's town, to settle their great 
disputes of long standing, and to draw up a set of rules 
and regulations for their future guidance. This was a 
great step gained: a moral victory over the furious 
enormities of savage life. 

The kings asked the countenance and advice of the 
colony, acknowledging fully its jurisdiction over them. 
Ejng Ballasada, however, sent his respectfal compli- 
ments, with a petition that he might be allowed to cut 
the throat of King Gogomina, if opportunity offered ; or 
might at least have the pleasure of shooting some of 
his people, because the said Gogomina had killed six 



1Y6 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

of Ballasada's "bojs." Information, however, was 
given by Governor Koberts to King Ballasada, tbat 
the time bad passed for such summary proceedings, 
but that the matter of shooting the six boys should be 
inquired into by the governor himself. Gogomina there- 
upon produced the six " boys" alive, and sent them home. 

Much interest now began to be manifested to learn 
something of the interior. It was not known whither 
the wide valleys of the rivers might lead, or what they 
might contain. It was ascertained that there were the 
Mandingoes and other noted people somewhere beyond 
the deep forests, with whom communication had been 
held, and with whom it might be held again. The 
natives on a line northeast, as far as the Niger, were 
entirely unknown : httle was really ascertained, except 
that the Niger was there. They knew that there were 
jealous tribes intei^osing, who stopped all commercial 
intercourse that did not pass through their own bloody 
and avaricious hands. 

The governor, relying on the reputation for power 
and good faith which the colony had acquired, resolved 
to head in person an expedition of exploration along 
the St. Paul's Eiver. Taking a small number of men 
with him, he proceeded up the river, visited the cam- 
wood country, about seventy miles inland, and found 
the forests greatly wasted, and the main source of sup- 
ply at that time one hundred miles farther back. Kings 



EXPLORATION OF THE INTERIOR. 177 

were visited and relieved of their fears, although not 
of their wonder, that " the governor shonld be at that 
distance from home without engaging in war." The 
party had left the canoe, and after a circuit round to 
the eastward, they reached " Captain Sam's" town, one 
hundred and twenty miles east of Monrovia. 

Several kings met v/ith the president in his excursion, 
with whom a conversation was held, " on the subject 
of trade, the course and extent of the river, native 
wars, religion, &c." One, " who was seated in state, on 
a sofa of raised earth, gave us a hearty shake of the 
hand, and said he was glad to see us ;" adding, " this 
country be your country, all this people be your coun- 
tryman, you be first king." This king was informed 
by the president, " that he and his people must agree 
to abandon the slave-trade, to discontinue the use of 
sassywood, engage in no war except by permission of 
the colonial government." On one occasion, "Balla- 
sada, the principal war-man of the Golah tribe, made 
his appearance ; he entered the gate of the barricade, 
at the head of some twenty or thirty armed warriors, 
with drums beating, horns blowing, dressed in a large 
robe, and stepping with all the majesty of a great 
monarch." At Yando's town, arrangements were made 
for establishing a school. At Gelby, one of the mis- 
sionaries preached to a large congregation — the king 
with most of his people being present. The audience 

8* 



178 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

was attentive, and, with tlie king, gave " a nod of the 
head at almost every word uttered by the inter- 
preter." 

At " Captain Sam's town," a place of great trade, they 
met three strangers from different tribes, anxious to 
have a question settled, viz. : " whether, if they carried 
their produce to the American settlement for sale, the 
colonists would beat them, take their property away, 
and put them in jail." Their intermediate friends had 
persuaded them that such would be the case, and con- 
sequently had themselves, in the mean time, become 
their agents, and plundered them at discretion. They 
had, at that time, brought a considerable quantity of 
produce for sale, and some of them had been kept waiting 
for many months. All this was fully cleared up to their 
satisfaction, and great extension of trade was promised. 
The governor says : "I have travelled considerably in 
the United States, but have never seen anywhere a 
more beautiful country than the one passed through, 
well timbered and watered, and the soil, I venture to 
assert, equal to any in the world." 

President Eoberts, at Monrovia, in 1850, stated to 
the writer, that in the interior, ore was found so pure 
as to be capable of being beaten into malleable iron, 
without the process of smelting. 

Treaties were formed with all the kings, and sundry 
fractions of kings ; introducing everywhere peace and 



INFLUENCE OF THE COLONY. 179 

facilities for commerce. It may be presumed, there- 
fore, that now the tidings are circulating through the 
depths of the interior, that peace has come from the 
west ; and that an African people has retm-ned to bless 
their old dark continent with light and truth. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

INDEPENDENCE OF LIBERIA PROCLAIMED AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY 

GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, BELGIUM, PRUSSIA AND BRAZIL 

TREATIES WITH ENGLAND AND FRANCE EXPEDITION AGAINST 

NEW CESTERS— U. S. SLOOP-OF-WAR " YORKTOWn" ENGLISH 

AND FRENCH CRUISERS DISTURBANCES AMONG THE NATIVE 

CHIEFS FINANCIAL TROUBLES RECURRING DIFFICULTY WITH 

ENGLISH TRADERS— BOOMBO, WILL BUCKLE, GRANDO, KING 
BOYER. 

Foe tlie main evils v^ith wliicli Liberia was oppressed, 
independence v^as the only remedy. We have seen the 
nature and extent of these evils, in her equivocal posi- 
tion in the view of several European powers, and 
especially in that of the English nation. The meas- 
ures necessary to carry out this great purpose were re- 
ceived with universal sympathy. 

Individuals from all sections of om' own country, 
bearing on them the imperial character of their 
nation, had transmitted it by the dark-skinned race, to 
vivify with liberty and self-government, the great 
slave-land of the world. This was perhaps an honor 
higher than they aimed at. The few judicious leading 
men of Liberia saw the necessity of making the ex- 
periment. The outlines of a constitution, as far as 



LIBERIA^ INDEPENDENCE ACKNOWLEDGED. 181 

that already existing needed modification, were bor- 
rowed from that of the United States. A declaration 
of independence was drawn up and proclaimed ; and 
on the 24:th day of August, 1847, the flag of the Ee- 
public of Liberia was displayed. 

Eoberts, whose state of pupilage had been passed 
under the master mind of Buchanan, was, as might be 
expected, elected President of the Eepublic. England, 
France, Prussia, Belgium and Brazil have successively 
acknowledged the independence of Liberia. A liberal 
treaty of amity and commerce, based upon the equality 
of rights of the two nations, was entered into between 
England and Liberia. The ministry were probably 
led to the conclusion by the president's visit, that trade, 
regulated by the laws of a compact nation, was likely 
to become far more advantageous than the bribing, 
cheating and plundering that had occurred, with 
kings and half kings, and some Em^opean subjects ; 
and had in view the increased power of the govern- 
ment for the suppression of the slave-trade. 

The president arrived in Liberia on the 1st of Feb- 
ruary, 1849, in her majesty's steam frigate Amazon, 
and was saluted by her with 21 guns on landing. 
Other appropriate ceremonies were observed ; soon after 
this, England presented the republic with a man-of-war 
schooner, with armament and stores complete. 
■ France entered afterwards into a commercial ti-eaty 



182 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

with Liberia, and famished a large qnantitj of arms. 
Subsequent assurances from the European powers, in- 
dicate their interest in the prosperity of the African 
republic. 

On the 22d of February, 184:9, the French flag 
steam frigate Penelope, accompanied by another 
cruiser, arrived at Monrovia. On the following day, 
the commander, with the officers and two hundred men, 
landed for the purpose of saluting the flag of the re- 
public. They were received by three uniform compa- 
nies of Monrovia, in front of Colonel Yates's residence ; 
where three field-pieces from the French frigate had 
been placed. The procession was then formed and 
moved up Broad-street to the president's house, where 
the flag-staff, bearing the the Liberian colors, was stand- 
ing. A salute of twenty-one guns was fired from the 
field-pieces, which was repeated by the French cruisers, 
and returned by the Liberian guns. Refreshments 
were provided for the men, and the officers dined with 
the president. 

In the month of March following, several English 
and French cruisers placed themselves at the disposal 
of President Roberts, for an expedition against the 
slavers who had established themselves at E'ew Cesters. 
Arrangements had previously been made with some of 
the chiefs in that quarter, for the smTender of their lands 
and for the incorporation of their people, on the usual 



A COMBINED EXPEDITION. 183 

terms, with the Liberian republic. But a portion of 
the chiefs and people had been allured to the support 
of the slavers, and force was required to dislodge 
them. 

Roberts embarked four hundred men in the cruisers, 
and, accompanied by the U. S. sloop-of-war " Yorktown," 
proceeded to the scene of action. Here w^ere foreign crui- 
sers, transporting the troops of an African republic to 
make a descent upon a European slave establishment ; 
such establishments as Europe had for centuries sus- 
tained on the African coast. A novel sight, certainly, 
to the leader of the enemy, who was a Spaniard ! 

The landing was covered by the cruisers, and a well- 
du^ected shell from the French steamer, bursting over 
the heads of the natives, cleared the way for the troops 
to form and march upon the barracoon, with now and 
then a harmless shot from the jimgle. Foreseeing the 
result of a conflict, the Spaniard fired his buildings, 
mounted his horse, sought safety in flight, and his rab- 
ble dispersed. The establishment was strengthened by 
a thick clay-wall, capable of ofifering a respectable 
resistance. Thirty slaves were liberated. The fort was 
destroyed. 'New Cesters was annexed^ and the troops 
returned to Monrovia. 

• An infectious impulse to disturbance, seems to Lave 
come from a fruitful source in the northern interior. 
For about thirty years, a war had been prevailing be- 



1S4: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tween revolted slaves and the cMefs, along the Gallinas 
Eiver. These lingering hostilities afforded facilities for 
securing a good supply of slaves for exportation, which 
was probably the cause why the slave-trade held on so 
pertinaciously at the mouth of this river. Treachery, 
for a time, enforced quiet. The chiefs of the oppressors 
inveigled the leaders of the insurgents to a conference, 
and massacred them. Manna, who seems to have 
had a long familiarity with crime, directed this ex- 
ploit. 

President Eoberts, when in England (184:8), dining 
on one occasion with the Prussian Ambassador, the 
subject of purchasing the Gallinas territory was dis- 
cussed. Lord Ashley and Mr. Gurney being present, 
pledged one thousand pounds, half the amount required 
to secure the territory. Benevolent individuals in the 
United States, also contributed for the same purpose. 
Possession was afterwards obtained of the Gallinas for 
the sum of nine thousand dollars. The price demanded 
was large, as the chiefs were aware that annexation to 
Liberia would forever cut off the lucrative slave-trade. 
Commissioners were appointed to settle the difficulties 
in the interior, open the trade in camwood, palm-oil 
and ivory, and furnish the people with the means of in- 
struction in the art of agriculture. It is, however, 
doubtful whether the influence of the republic is suffi- 
cient to control the wars which have been so long ra- 



FIJSTANCIAL TROUBLES. 185 

ging in the interior. By the annexation of this territory, 
and in May, 1852, of the Cassa territory, Liberia 
practically extends its dominion, exterminating the 
slave-trade from Cape Lahon, eastward of Cape Pal- 
mas, to Sierra Leone, a distance of about six hnndi'ed 
miles of sea-coast. 

The financial bnrdens of the government were a mat- 
ter of no little anxiety. The money for the purchase of 
the Gallinas had been munificently contributed by Mr. 
Gurney and other individuals from abroad, but still 
there was that ''national blessing — a national debt." 
The expedition against New Cesters was, doubtless, a 
great event in the history of Liberia. There was 
glory, which is not without its practical use ; and there 
was gratification in the honor of having been aided, or 
accompanied in such an effort, by the naval forces of 
great nations. But glory and gratification have their 
disadvantages also. Yery keenly did the leading men 
of Liberia look to the fact that there were heavy bills 
to be paid. The payment of a few thousand dollars 
was a serious affair. They wisely concluded, however, 
that they were following the ways of Providence in in- 
corporating E'ew Cesters and the Gallinas into their 
family. And the results have justified their proceed- 
ings. 

On the 15th of February, 1850, the Secretary of 
State, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of 



186 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

the United States, transmitted a report of tlie Eev. K. 
E. Gurley, who had a short time previously been sent 
out by the government to obtain information in respect 
to Liberia. This report contains a fall account of the 
people, the government and the territory. 

The long-standing difficulty with the British traders 
was brought to a crisis, by a prosecution in the Liberian 
courts. An appeal was made to the British commo- 
dore. Mr. Hansen, the British consul, a native Afri- 
can, who had been liberally educated in the United 
States, warmly espoused the cause of the traders. 
These circumstances induced the president, in May, 
1852, to revisit England, where matters were satis- 
factorily arranged. He extended his visit to France, 
and was there received with attentions due to his 
station. 

The elements of society in Liberia were not all ele- 
ments of peace. ^N'ative tribes, long hostile, had sub- 
mitted to union. They had promised to be very 
friendly, and met very lovingly together, which they 
no doubt considered very strange, and perhaps, for a 
time, found very pleasant. We should have been in- 
clined to think this very strange, if it had continued. 
"When old nature, old habits and old enmities recov- 
ered their strength, it required a firm hand, and one 
pretty well armed, too, to keep order among them. 
^OY did the means available always attain this end. 



DISSEN^SIONS AMOIS^G THE ls"ATIVES. 187 

Dissension could not be overcome without force and 
pmiisliinent. 

In 1850, the Yeys, Deys, and Golahs had roused up 
their perennial quarrel about their rights and terri- 
tories. A portion of them were wise enough to apply 
to the government to appoint a commission to settle 
the difficulties among them. Others took the larger 
liberty of attempting to settle matters in their own way. 
The excitement prevailed during the president's ab- 
sence. In March, 1853, he proceeded, with two 
hundred troops, to the northward of Little Cape 
Mount, and, after a suitable demonstration, brought 
the chief offender, having the appropriate name of 
Boombo, to await trial at Monrovia; he was con- 
victed, fined and sentenced to imprisonment for two 
years. 

In ITovember, 1850, the people of Timbo brought in 
a complaint against " Will Buckle," who was at the 
head of a gang of rogues, mm^dering and robbing 
with impunity. They asked the protection of the 
government, and to be received within its jurisdiction, 
and that Will Buckle might feel the strong arm of 
the law. 

But an outbreak at Bassa Cove, under a chief named 
Grando, threatened to be the grand affair of the time. 
He was a shrewd, cunning subject. The president 
gave him a lecture. To all of it " he listened attentive- 



188 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ly, and with seeming penitence readily admitted the 
error of liis course and the wrongs he had been guilty 
of, and promised never again," &c., &c. The presi- 
dent, however, found, as is usual in such cases, that 
Grando was much the same after the lecture as be- 
fore. "I had scarcely left the country," says the 
president, "before his evil genius got the better of 
him." And the fact turned out to be, that his 
"evil genius" very nearly got the better of every- 
body else. 

He established himself, with his people, beside a new 
settlement near Bassa Cove. This was exposing his 
penitence to too strong a temptation. He cultivated 
the most friendly terms with the settlers ; and when he 
had sufficiently disarmed suspicion, he rose upon the 
settlement, on the 15th of I^ovember, 1851, murdered 
nine of the inhabitants, carried off what he could get, 
and took to the " bush." 

Grando had taken measures to excite a considerable 
insurrection of confederated tribes in that region, and 
returned to the attack with rather a serious force, esti- 
mated at one thousand men. The assailants fought 
with unreflecting fierceness, as the negro does when 
excited, paying no attention to the artillery which 
opened upon them. But they made no impression on 
the place. Eoberts proceeded to Bassa Cove in the 
U. S. sloop-of-war " Dale," accompanied by a reinforce- 



THE GRAND BASSA WAR. 189 

ment in the Liberian schooner " Lark," and prevented a 
third attack. 

In March, 1852, Grando and his confederate, Boyer, 
were again arranging combinations among the tribes 
in the " bush." The " evil genius" complained of had 
contrived to bring the traders again on the stage, with 
their perplexing complaints about imposts and monopo- 
lies. One of these traders seems to have been insti- 
gating the disturbance. 

These circumstances brought on the most extensive 
and most trying military campaign in which the Libe- 
rian forces have yet been engaged. It was estimated 
that the confederates had in the field about five thou- 
sand men. They were well supplied with ammunition, 
and had some artillery, and were employing their time 
in constructing formidable defences. To meet them, 
Roberts had about five hundred colonists, and the same 
number of natives. With these, on the 6th of January, 
1852, he marched upon the enemy. A breastwork, 
terminating the passage through a swamp, was occu- 
pied by three times the number of its assailants. After 
an action of an hour and a half, this position was forced, 
and the enemy driven through a piece of difiicult for- 
est ground. After some resistance here, they were dis- 
lodged and chased to Grando's palisaded town. This 
they set on fire, and then retreated to Boyer, occupying 
the left bank of the 'New Cess river, to dispute the passage. 



190 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

From this position Boyer was dislodged by the hos- 
tility of the chiefs around him, who did not join in the 
revolt. He retreated within the barricades of his own 
town. Here he had some artillery. On the 15th, 
Roberts came with his whole force upon this place. A 
fierce fight of nearly two hours took place, which re- 
sulted in the capture of the town. The loss of the ene- 
my was considerable. The Liberians had six killed 
and twenty-five wounded. 

Grando's allies soon discovered that they were in the 
wrong. Boyer fell into the same ti-ain of repentance. 
Grando's authority altogether expired in 1853. His 
own people held a council, whether they should not 
deliver him up to the president. This was opposed by 
the old men as contrary to custom. They made him 
prisoner, however. Boyer would, by no persuasion, be 
induced to put himself within the grasp of the presi- 
dent. He was also playing his tricks upon other peo- 
ple. Having in July, 1853, induced a Spanish slaver 
to advance him a considerable sum in doubloons, and a 
quantity of goods, he suddenly became strongly anti- 
slavery in his views, and sent a request to the presi- 
dent, and to the British steam cruiser " Pluto," to look 
out for the slaver, which vessel had cleared for the 
Gallinas, grounded in the river, and was afterwards 
destroyed. 

Boyer himself and another worthy by the name of 



THE SAVAGES IN A DILEMMA. 191 

Cain, who joined Grando in these disturbances, keep 
the Liberians on the alert, but seem gradually spreading 
a net for themselves, and it is to be anticipated that ere 
long thej may be found as companions with Boombo 
in his captivity. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

CONDITION OF LIBERIA AS A NATION ASPECT OF LIBERIA TO 

A VISITOR CHARACTER OF MONROVIA SOIL, PRODUCTIONS 

AND LABOR HARBOR CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE COM- 
PARED WITH THAT OF THEIR RACE IN THE UNITED STATES 

SCHOOLS. 

Notwithstanding the heterogeneous population of 
Liberia, a commendable degree of order, quiet and 
comparative prosperity prevails. With such men as 
President Roberts, Chief- Justice Benedict, Major- 
General Lewis, Yice-President Williams, and many 
other prominent persons in office and in the walks of 
civil life, the government and society present an aspect 
altogether more favorable than a visitor, judging them 
from the race when in contact with a white population, 
is prepared to find. The country is theirs — they are 
lords of the soil; and in intercourse with them, it is 
soon observed that they are free from that oppressive 
sense of inferiority which distinguish the colored people 
of this country. A visit to Mom^ovia is always agree- 
able to the African cruiser. 

Monrovia, the capital, is situated immediately in the 



DESCRIPTION OF MONROVIA. 193 

rear of the bold promontory of Cape Mesurado, which 
rises to the altitude of 250 feet. The highest part of the 
town is eighty feet above the level of the sea. The 
place is laid out with as much regularity as the loca- 
tion will admit. Broadway is the main or principal 
street, running nearly at right angles with the sea. 
Besides this, there are twelve or fifteen more. The 
town contains not far from two thousand inhabitants. 
Many of the houses are substantially built of brick or 
of stone, and several of them are handsomely furnished. 
The humidity of the climate has greatly impaired the 
wooden buildings. The State-House, public stores, 
and the new academy are solid, substantial buildings, 
appropriate to their uses. There are five churches, and 
these are well attended. The schools will compare 
favorably with the former district schools in this 
country, which is not saying much in their favor. 

The soil in the vicinity of the rocky peninsula of 
Mesm^ado is generally sandy and comparatively un- 
productive, except where there are alluvial deposits 
along the margin of the streams or creeks. The lands 
on the banks of the rivers — of the St. Paul's, for in- 
stance, four or five miles north of Monrovia — are very 
rich, of loamy clay soil, equalling in fertility the high 
lands of Brazil, or any other part of the world. Here 
more care is devoted to the culture of sugar, and in- 
creasing attention is given to agriculture. These lands 



194: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

readily sell at from forty to fifty dollars per acre. A 
fork of this river flows in a southeasterly direction, 
and unites with the Mesm^ado Kiver at its mouth. This 
fork is called Stockton's Creek, in honor of Commodore 
Stockton. The largest rivers of Liberia are navigable 
only about twelve or fifteen miles before coming to the 
Rapids. 

As the country becomes settled, and the character of 
its diseases better understood, the acclimating fever is 
less dreaded. In fact, it now rarely proves fatal. This 
having been passed through, the colored emigrants 
enjoy far better health than they did in most parts of 
the United States. The statistics, as President Roberts 
stated, show some three per cent, smaller number of 
deaths than in the New England States and Canada 
among the same class of population. The thermometer 
seldom rises higher than 85°, nor falls lower than 70°. 

The productions of the soil are varied and abundant, 
— capable of sustaining an immense population. The 
want of agricultural industry, rather than the incapa- 
city of the country to yield richly the fruits of the 
earth, has been the difficulty with the Liberians. With 
well-directed labor, of one-half the amount required 
among the farmers of the United States, a large sur- 
plus of the earth's productions, over the demands of 
home consumption, might be gathered. The country 
certainly possesses elements of great prosperity. 



THE HARBOR AND THE LANDING. 195 

" A bill for the improvement of rivers and harbors" 
should be forthwith passed by the Liberian legislature. 
A country exporting articles annually amounting to 
the sum of eight hundred thousand dollars, and this on 
the increase, might make an appropriation to render 
landing safe from the ducking in the surf to which one 
is now exposed. Sharks, in great abundance, are 
playing about the bars of the rivers, eagerly watching 
the boats and canoes for their prey. Dr. Prout, a 
Liberian senator, and several others, have been cap- 
sized in boats and fallen victims to these sea-tigers. 

A full and very interesting description of the geog- 
raphy, climate, productions and diseases of Africa 
has been published by Dr. J. W. Lugenbeel, late colo- 
nial physician, and the last white man who was United 
States agent in Africa. 

In devising measures for the benefit of Liberia, one 
thing was pre-eminently to be kept in view, which was, 
that the people be prevented from sinking back to 
become mere Africans. It is believed that this danger 
was wholly past under the energetic administration of 
Buchanan, to whom too much praise cannot be 
awarded. He infused life and spirit into the nation, 
and brought out such men as Roberts and others, in 
whose hands we believe the republic is safe. A large 
majority of the emigrants having been slaves, and 
dependent on the will and dictation of others, many 



196 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

of them are thereby rendered in a measure incapa- 
ble of that self-reliance which secnres early success in 
an enterprise of this kind. 

Slaves do not work like freemen. The question, 
then, arises — Is this the case because they are slaves, 
or because they are negroes ? Those who have been 
emancipated in the British territories have hitherto cast 
no favorable light on this inquiry. They do not now 
work as they did when compelled to work, although 
they are free. ]!^either do the Sicilians, ^Neapolitans, 
or Portuguese work as men work elsewhere. There 
are no men freer than the slavers, who steal children 
and sell them, in order that they themselves may live 
in vicious idleness. It is the freeman's intelligence 
and his higher motives of action, which produce his 
virtues. 

The slave-trade being extirpated within the bounda- 
ries of Liberia, and the natives brought under new 
influences, the necessity produced for new kinds of 
labor has become favorable to the improvement of the 
African. There is now the will and ability of the 
native population to work in the fields. The low rate 
of remuneration which they require, favors the em- 
ployment of capital, but keeps wages for common 
labor very low. It is of no use to urge upon colonists 
to employ their own people in preference to natives, 
when the former want eighty cents a day and the 



RELIGION AND EDUCATIOK 197 

latter only tAventy-five. These things must take their 
natural course. The increase of capital must be waited 
for ere wages can rise. But it all tells strongly in favor 
of settlers securing grants of land, and becomes a 
great inducement for colored men emigrating to Libe- 
ria who have some little capital of their own. 

It is in Liberia alone that the colored man can find 
freedom and the incentives to higher motives of action, 
which are conducive to virtue. There these sources of 
good are found in abundance for his race. In this 
country he can gain the intelligence of the free popula- 
tion, but is excluded from the vivifying motives of the 
freeman. In Liberia he has both. Means are needed 
to sustain this condition of things. The first of these 
is religion, which to a great degree, pervades the com- 
munity there : it is true that some of the lower forms 
of a vivid conception of spiritual things characterize 
the people ; but far preferable is this, to the tendency 
of the age elsewhere — towards attempting to bring 
within the scope of human reason the higher mysteries 
of faith. The second is the school, which keeps both 
intelligence and aspiration alive, and nm^tures both. 
Roberts is aware of this, and keeps it before the peo- 
ple. They will transfer, therefore, what the United 
States alone exemplifies, and what is vitally important 
to free governments, namely, a system of free public 
education in the common schools ; such a system is that 



198 AFEICA AND THE AMEKIOAN FLAG. 

of the graded schools in many parts of our country, 
far sm-passing most of the select schools, where a 
thorough education may be freely obtained by all the 
children of the community. 

Liberia contains a population exceeding one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand inhabitants ; not more than one- 
twentieth of this number are American colonists. Its 
growth has been gradual and healthy. The government, 
from its successful administration by blacks alone, for 
more than six years, appears to be firmly established. 
The country is now in a condition to receive as many 
emigrants as the United States can send. To the 
colored man who regards the highest interest of his 
children ; to young men of activity and enterprise, 
Liberia affords the strongest attractions. 

We would not join in any attempt to crush the aspi- 
rations of any class of men in this countiy. But it is 
an actual fact, whatever may be thought of it, that here 
the colored man has never risen to that position, which 
every one should occupy among his fellows. For sup- 
pose the wishes of the philanthropist towards him to be 
fully accomplished, — secure him his political rights ; 
unfetter him in body and intellect ; cultivate him in 
taste even; then while nominally free, he is still in 
bondage ; for freedom must also be the prerogative of 
the white, as well as of the black man ; and the white 
man must likewise be left free to form his most intimate 



CLAIMS OF LIBERIA. 199 

social relations ; and lie is not, and never has been dis- 
posed, in this country, to unite himself with a caste, 
marked by so broad a distinction as exists between the 
two races. The testimony on these two points of those 
who have had abundant advantages for observation, has 
been uniform and conclusive. For the colored man 
himself then, for his children, Liberia is an open city 
of refuge. He there may become a freeman not only 
in name, but a freeman in deed and in truth. 

Liberia has strong claims upon Christian aid and 
sympathy. Its present and prospective commercial 
advantages to our country, will far counterbalance the 
amount appropriated by private benevolence in planting 
and aiding the colony and the republic. Its indepen- 
dence ought to be acknowledged by the United States. 
This, according to the opinion of President Roberts, 
would not imply the necessity of diplomatic corre- 
spondence, while the moral and political effects, would 
be beneficial to both parties. England, by early ac- 
knowledging the independence of Liberia, and culti- 
vating a good understanding with its government and 
people, has greatly subserved her own commercial in- 
terest, while responding to the call of British phi- 
lanthropy. 



CHAPTEK XX. 

MARYLAND IN LIBERIA CAPE PALMAS HALL AND RUSSWURM 

CHASTISEMENT OF THE NATIVES AT BSREBEE BY THE U. S. 

SQUADRON LINE OF PACKETS PROPOSAL OF INDEPENDENCE 

ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE COLONIZATION SCHEME CHRISTIAN 

MISSIONS. 

The Maryland Colonization Society resolved to estab- 
lish a colony at Cape Palmas. Dr. James Hall, their 
agent, secured tlie consent of the chiefs to cede the 
required territory, without employing the wretched 
medium of rum. These kings, to their credit, have 
retained sensible names of their own, redolent of good 
taste and patriotism, being Parmah, Weah Boleo, and 
Baphro. As has ever been done by all wise people on 
that coast, a fort was expeditiously erected, overlooking 
in a peremptory way the native villages and the anchor- 
age ; since it is not, for a time at least, safe to trust in 
such affairs to the conscience of the natives. 

Cape Palmas is well suited for such an establish- 
ment ; the climate is as good as any in tropical Africa. 
The Cape itself is a small elevation or insulated hill, 
sloping down towards the continent, into the general 
expanse of wooded plain or forest ; this, to the north 



SETTLEMENT OF CAPE PALMAS. 201 

and east of the Cape, stretches out into a wide fertile 
flat, the waters of which drain towards the long line of 
sea-beach, receiving the heavy snrf of the equatorial 
Atlantic. The surf throws a long bulwark- of sand 
along the mouths of the fresh-water streams, and checks 
them in a lagoon of ten miles in length, bj about a 
quarter of a mile in breadth. This water is fresh or 
brackish, according as either element gains the mastery, 
and serves the natives as a precious and fruitful fish- 
pond. 

Of this region, a tract extending about twenty miles 
along the sea-shore, and as much inland, was, by pur- 
chase, brought under the jurisdiction of the Maryland 
Society. Provision was made for retaining the resident 
natives on the lands they cultivated. Here, in the month 
of February, 1834, the Maryland Colonization Society 
attached itself to Africa, by landing fifty-three emigrants 
from that State. 

Their temporary dwellings were soon put up ; and 
their fortifications erected near to populous towns 
crowded with natives supplied with fire-arms and ready 
to use them. Vessels continued to amve, bringing 
more settlers to their shores. In 1836, an additional 
tract of country, east of the Cape, was procured ; extend- 
ing the colonial territories along the broad, rapid stream 
of the Cavally, to the distance of thirty miles from its 
mouth. In succeeding years new settlers arrived to 

9* 



202 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

occupy the lands so acquired ; yet all these acquisitive 
proceedings gave rise to scarcely any noticeable opposi- 
tion. A little blustering occurred on the part of one 
chief, who attempted to monopolize the selling of rice 
to the colonists when in want ; but a kind and resolute 
firmness removed the difficulty. Scarcely, in fact, does 
an instance occur in history, of an administration so 
uniformly successful in the operations for which it was 
established; and, whatever the future may offer to 
equal it, nothing certainly in the past has a higher 
claim for sympathy, than these efforts of Maryland for 
the benefit of her colored population. 

With the same wisdom which had characterized the 
previous measures of the society, in 1837 Mr., Russ- 
wurm, a colored man, was appointed governor of the 
colony. He fulfilled the expectations formed of him. 
Thus one step was judiciously taken, to disengage the 
colored men of Africa from dependence on foreign 
management. 

Considering, however, that Cape Palmas has been 
colonized from a slave state alone, and that the govern- 
ment has been retained in the hands of the state society, 
it is scarcely to be expected that the same vigor and 
activity should be found in its internal operations, or 
the same amount of influence exercised over the sur- 
rounding natives, as has been manifested in Liberia. 
IN^otwithstanding this, the beneficial influence of this 



EXTENT OF CAPE PALMAS COLONY. 203 

colony also, on the surrounding natives, lias been con- 
siderable. Six kings, of their own accord, applied to 
Governor Russwurm, and ceded their territories, that 
they might be incorporated with the colony. Every 
treaty contained an absolute prohibition of the slave- 
trade. 

Cape Palmas colony, then, may be considered as 
now extending from the confines of her elder sister at 
the river Jarraway, as far to the eastward as Cape La- 
hou. The inland boundary may be anywhere, as the 
future shall settle it. The cultivated or cleared land 
extends parallel to the coast, over distances varying 
from twenty-five to fifty miles. Here comes on the 
dark verdure of forest, undulating over the rising lands 
which lead to the mountains, or whatever they may 
be, which feed the rivers. These streams act as lines 
of communication. But here also the old Portuguese 
influence has aimed at a monopoly of trade. Some 
explorations have disclosed the fact that there are pow- 
erful tribes in these lands, who, in spite of an obstacle 
of this kind, will soon be brought within the commer- 
cial influence of the colony. 

This line of coast has at many points been a frequent 
haunt of slavers, and the atrocities due to native su- 
perstition have been shocking, and rendered more vil- 
lanous by European trade. Commodore Perry, in 
1843, as will be seen in the notice of squadrons, did 



204: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAIS' FLAG. 

justice on some of their villages, conyicted of murder 
and robbery of an American vessel. The officers de- 
livered several of the natives from torture under the 
accusations of sorcery. To control such fierce materials 
into quietness, or melt them to Christian brotherhood, 
will require much grace from Providence, and much 
kind and patient dealing from men. 

In carrying out the objects of the colony, an effort 
was made by the Maryland Colonization Society, which 
seemed in its nature singularly promising. This con- 
sisted in establishing a joint-stock trading company, or 
line of packets for carrying out emigrants and retm-ning 
with produce. It was expected that the colored people 
of the state would, to some considerable extent, invest 
capital in shares. With these expectations the " Libe- 
ria Packet" was launched in 1846, and made many 
voyages. It was found necessary to increase the size 
of vessels thus employed. But these operations were 
checked by the wreck of the " Ealph Cross." It was 
also found that comparatively little interest in this un- 
dertaking was awakened among the colored population, 
or that they had not the means for investment in it, as 
only about one-eighth of the whole amount of stock 
was held by them. It is, however, an incident of 
value in the history of Africa, that through facilities 
thus afforded, many emigrants revisited this country 
for short periods, and thus established a return line of 



MOVEMENT TOWARD INDEPENDENCE. 205 

intercourse, inquirj, or business, whicli binds Africa 
more strongly to this land. 

A movement for tlie elevation of the colony into an 
independent state, has been made by the people at 
Cape Palmas, and a commission has visited this coun- 
try to make arrangements for the purpose. That there 
be full political independence granted to this people, is 
requisite, as an element of the great achievement now 
going on. This contemplates something far higher 
than creating merely a refuge for black men, or stick- 
ing on a patch of colored America on the coast of Af- 
rica like an ill-assorted graft, for which the old stock 
is none the better. Liberia is the restoration of the 
African in his highest intellectual condition to that 
country in which his condition had become the most 
degraded. The question is to be settled whether that 
condition can be retained, or so improved that he may 
keep pace with the rest of the world. 

It is a necessary element in this proceeding that he 
be self-governing. It is to the establishment of this 
point that all men look to decide the dispute, whether 
negro races are to remain forever degraded or not. 
Time and patience, however, and much kind watchful- 
ness, may be required before this experiment be deemed 
conclusive. Let many failures be anticipated ere a 
certain result is secured. Let no higher claims be 
made on the negro than on other races. Would a col- 



206 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ony of Frenclimen, Spaniards, Portuguese, Sicilians, if 
left to themselves, offer a fairer prospect of success than 
Liberia now offers ? Few persons would have confi- 
dence in the stability of republican institutions among 
these races, if so placed. 

Let then the black man be judged fairly, and not 
presumed to have become all at once and by miracle, of 
a higher order than old historic nations, through many 
generations of whom the political organization of the 
world has been slowly developing itself. There will 
be among them men who are covetous, or men who are 
tyrannical, or men who would sacrifice the public inte- 
rests or any others to their own : men who would now 
go into the slave-trade if they could, or rob hen-roosts, 
or intrigue for office, or pick pockets, rather than trou- 
ble their heads or their hands with more honorable oc- 
cupations. It should be remembered by visitors that 
such things will be found in Liberia ; not because men 
are black, but because men are men. 

It should not be forgotten that the experiment in re- 
spect to this race is essentially a new one. The non- 
sense about Hannibal, and Terence, and Cyprian, and 
Augustine, being negro Africans, should have been out 
of the heads of people long ago. A woolly-headed, 
flat-nosed African, in ancient times, would have created 
as great a sensation at the head of an army, or in the 
chair of a professor, as it would now in the United 



« 



CHARACTER OF THE AFRICAN. 207 

States or in England. These men were Asiatics or 
Europeans, rather than Africans : the Great Desert 
being properly the northern boundary of the African 
'race. The African has never reached in fact, until the 
settlement of Liberia, a higher rank than a king of Da- 
homey, or the inventor of the last fashionable grisgris 
to prevent the devil from stealing sngar-plums. 'No 
philosopher among them has canght sight of the mys- 
teries of nature ; no poet has illustrated heaven, or 
earth, or the life of man ; no statesman has done any 
thing to lighten or brighten the links of human policy. 
In fact, if all that negroes of all generations have ever 
done, were to be obliterated from recollection forever, 
the world would lose no great truth, no profitable art, 
no exemplary form of life. TTie loss of all that is Afri- 
can would offer no memorable deduction from any 
thing but the earth's black catalogue of crimes. Afri- 
ca is guilty of the slavery under which she suffered ; 
for her people made it, as well as suffered it. 

The great experiment, therefore, is as to the effect 
of instruction given to such a race from a higher one. 
It has had its success, and promises more. But many 
patient endeavors must still be used. The heroism of 
the missionary is still needed. Such men as Mills, 
Ashmun, Wilson, and Bishop Payne, will be required 
to give energy to this work in various forms. But 
there will be henceforth, it is to be hoped, less demand 



208 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

for the exposure of American life. There should be 
found in the colored people of the United States, with 
whom the climate agrees, the source of supply for Af- 
rican missions, till, in a few years, Liberia itself send 
them forth, with words of life to their brethren through- 
out the length and breadth of the continent. 

Like all sinful men, the African needs faith. But 
you must dig deeper in him, before you find any 
thing to plant it on. The grain of mustard-seed meets 
a very hard soil there, and the thorns are deep. It is 
a conquest to get him to believe that there is any vir- 
tue in man. They have never had a Socrates, to talk 
wisdom to them ; nor a Cyrus, who was not a slave- 
merchant; nor a Pythagoras, to teach that kindness 
was a virtue. Hence the difficulty which the Christian , 
missionary has had with them, has been to satisfy their 
minds as to the miraculous phenomenon of there being 
a good man. It has been always found that there was 
many a consultation among their sages as to the pecu- 
liar trade or pm-pose the missionary might have in 
view, in coming as he came ; and very generally the 
more good they saw, the more evil they suspected. 
The first thing which, in most instances, opened their 
eyes, has been in his inculcating peace ; for they saw 
no fees coming to him for it, and of course no looking 
out for plunder. 

The civilized world, as well as the savage, need the 



CHAKACTER OF THE MISSIONARIES. 209 

example of the missionary. The true com-age of faith 
is a blessing to mankind. Besides his devotion to the 
highest interests of men, the world also owes much to 
the educated and enlightened missionary, who has not 
only greatly contributed to the cause of science and 
literature, but has often been the means of developing 
the commercial resources of the countries where he has 
been stationed. Women, with their own peculiar he- 
roism, which consists in fearless tenderness and patience, 
have also shared in this work of faith. Mrs. Judson is 
seen wandering through a Burman village teaching the 
people, with a sick child in her arms, while her hus- 
band lies in prison. And Mrs. Wilson, highly culti- 
vated and refined, sacrificing her property, and surren- 
.dering a position in the best society of the country, is 
found teaching negro children in the dull and fetid 
atmosphere of African schools. This is true heroism, 
such as the gospel alone can inspire. 

Christianity has, with watchful kindness, been seek- 
ing to penetrate Africa from various points of the 
coast. Abyssinia has long professed the Christian faith, 
although in a corrupt form. Its church, and that of 
Egypt, must soon fall under the influence of the line of 
communication through the Red Sea. English mission- 
aries are at Zanzibar, and have brought to light, by 
their explorations in the interior, the group of mountains 
which raise their snowy heads south of the equator in 



210 AFRICA AND THE AISIERICAN FLAG. 

that neighborliood. Missionaries from the same conn- 
tiy are also to be found at Sierra Leone and in the 
Bight of Benin. From the extremity of the continent 
thej have, in conjunction with those of five other na- 
tions, been penetrating all the interior of the southern 
angle. 

The United States have also missionaries at fom^ or 
■&YG points. There are those of the Liberian republic, 
Cape Palmas, and the Mendi mission. In these places 
different denominations work kindly and earnestly to- 
gether. The first obvious sign of their presence is 
peace. Nowhere in the world was this more needed, 
or more welcome, than in the regions north and east of 
Liberia, where men, for many years, had had to fight 
for their own persons, that they might remain their 
own, and not be sold. Every thing, as might be ex- 
pected, had fallen into utter confusion. Tribes of his- 
toric character were in fragments ; towns depopulated, 
cultivation suspended, and the small knots of families 
which kept together, were perishing. "The women 
and children," says Mr. Thompson, " were often obliged 
to go out in search of berries and fruits to keep them- 
selves from starving." To this country, which lies 
along the sources of the Sierra Leone and the Gallinas 
rivers on the northern confines of Liberia, the captives 
on board the Amistad had gone in 1842. But such 
was the confusion in that quarter, that it was not until 



I 



MISSIONARY INFLUENCE. 211 

1851, that the missionaiy found it practicable to com- 
mence his efforts for peace. Thej told Mr. Thompson, 
" that no one but a white man could have brought it 
about ;" and that " they had long been praying to God 
to send a white man to stop the war." 

The Gaboon mission, since its disturbance by the 
French in 1814, has been re-established, and has ex- 
perienced courteous treatment at the hands of the 
French authorities. This mission occupies the impor- 
tant position at which the great southern nation and 
language come in contact with the more energetic men 
of the equatorial region, and at which great light is 
likely to be thrown on their relations. The French also 
have a mission at the Gaboon. 

The mission to the Zulus, in the healthy region at 
the southern end of the Mozambique Channel, was at 
one time divided between the two branches of that 
tribe ; but in consequence of wars, was afterwards 
united and established in the colony of l^atal. The 
commercial crisis in the United States in 1837, led to 
the proposal that this mission should be abandoned. 
But its influence had been so beneficial, that the Cape 
colonists and their government proposed to take meas- 
ures to support it. Circumstances, however, enabled 
the American Board to decline this proposal, and they 
continue their operations. An efibrt is being made by 
this mission to unite all similarly engaged, in a com- 



212 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

mon and "imiform mode of treating the language of the 
sonth. 

The Portuguese have missions, both on the east and 
west side of the continent. 

Commander Forbes, K. JST., says : " In all the coun- 
tries which have given up the traffic in their fellow- 
men, the preaching of the Gospel and the spread of 
education have most materially assisted the effects of 
the coercive measures of our squadron." 



1 



CHAPTEK XXI. 

RENEWAL OF PIRACY AND THE SLAVE-TRADE AT THE CLOSE OF 

THE EUROPEAN WAR BRITISH SQUADRON TREATIES WITH THE 

NATIVES ORIGIN OF BARRACOONS USE OF THE AMERICAN 

FLAG- IN THE SLAVE-TRADE OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON 

THE SUBJECT CONDITION OF SLAVES ON BOARD OF THE 

SLAVE-VESSELS CASE OF THE VELOZ PASSAGEIRA FRENCH 

SQUADRON. 

It was the cessation of the last great European war, 
whicli assembled the matured villany of the world on 
the African coast to re-establish the slave-trade. This 
traffic had been suspended during the latter years of 
the contest, as England and the United States had 
abolished it, and the former was strong enough at sea 
to prevent other European powers from engaging in it. 
In fact, she had swept almost the whole European marine 
from the ocean. The treaties formed at the peace, left 
Europe to the strife between anarchy and despotism ; 
and gave up the coast of Africa to the slave-trade and 
piracy. 

Every evil and every fear which have harassed the 
world since that time, seem to be the retributions of an 



214 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

indignant Providence. Let it not be imagined tliat 
these dealings of justice with men are at an end. 
What conld atone for giving up the coasts of a whole 
continent to be ravaged by the slave-ships of France, 
Spain, and Portugal? What compensation for this 
vicious and deadly scourge has Africa yet received ? 
The cruising, suffering, sickness, deaths and expenses 
of nearly half a century have not remedied the crime 
of signing these treaties. The ambassador, minister, 
or whoever he was, that signed them, bears a load of 
guilt, such as few mortal men have assumed. 

England set about remedying this in a more com- 
mendable spirit, as soon as the years of free and un- 
restricted crime, which she had really granted to these 
nations, were run out. During about twenty years 
subsequently, when ti-eaties with these powers had 
granted mutual right of search and capture, three hun- 
dred vessels were seized, having slaves on board. 
But during the latter part of this period, more than 
one hundred thousand half-dead negroes were annu- 
ally landed from slave-vessels in Cuba and Brazil. 

In 1839 the corrective was more stringently applied. 
Permission had then, or soon after, been wrung from 
different slave-trading powers, to capture vessels out- 
ward-bound for Africa, when fitted for the slave-trade, 
as well as after they had taken in their cargoes. The 
treaties provided that vessels equipped for the traffic 



I 



EQUIPMENT TREATIES. 215 

might be captui'ed, so as to prevent tlie crime. A 
slaver was thus to be taken, because she was a slaver ; 
just as it is better to shoot the wolf before he has killed 
the sheep than afterwards. If a vessel, therefore, was 
found on the African coast with slave-irons, water in 
sufficient quantity for a slave-cargo, with a slave-deck 
laid for packing slaves — somewhat as the carcases of 
sheep and pigs in a railway train, with the exception 
of the fresh air — she was seized and condemned before 
committing the overt act. Under this arrangement, 
with a rigorous squadron, double the number of cap- 
tures were made, dm-ing the next ten years, as com- 
pared with the previous twenty. 

Seeing, then, that, as before noticed, one thousand 
and seventy slave-vessels were captured, and of the 
slaves who were not dead, a great proportion were 
landed at Sierra Leone, and that the whole population 
of that colony, although established for nearly sixty 
years, does not amount to more than forty-five thousand 
souls, young and old, it may be conceived what a fear- 
ful waste of life has arisen even from deliverance. 

The efforts of this squadron were conjoined with 
those of France and the United States. The former 
had withdrawn from the treaty stipulating the right of 
search, and sent a squadron of her own to prevent 
French vessels from engaging in the slave-trade ; and 
the United States, which never has surrendered, and 



216 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

never will surrender, tlie inviolability of lier own flag 
to a foreign power, guaranteed, in 1842, to keep a 
squadron on the coast. These, together with other 
subsidiary means, had reduced the export of slaves in 
1849 to about thirty-seven thousand, from one hundred 
and five thousand. And since that period the trade 
has lessened, until in Brazil, the greater slave-martj it 
has become almost extinct ; although at times it has 
been carried on briskly with the island of Cuba. 

The subsidiary means alluded to arose out of the 
presence of the squadrons, and would have had no 
efiect without them. They consist in arrangements, on 
the part of England, with some of the native powers, 
to join in checking the evil, and substitute legal trade, 
and in the conversion of the old slave-factories and 
forts into positions defensive against their former pur- 
pose. 

These measures have also prepared the way for the 
establishment of Christian missions, as well as per- 
mitted to legitimate trafiic its full development. Mis- 
sions and the slave-trade have an inverse ratio be- 
tween them as to their progress. When the one 
dwindles, the other grows. Although it was no osten- 
sible purpose of the squadron to forward missions, yet 
the presence of cruisers has been essential to their es- 
tablishment and success. 

Trade of all kinds was originally an adjunct to the 



ORIGm OF BARRACOOIS^S. 217 

slave-trade. Cargoes were to be sold where they could 
find a purchaser. Gold, ivory, dye-stuffs and pepper 
were the articles procured on the coast. All of these 
are from exhaustible sources. The great vegetable 
productions of the country, constituting heavy cargoes, 
have but lately come into the course of commerce. 
Hunting and roaming about supplied the former ar- 
ticles of commerce. The heavier articles now in de- 
mand require more industry with the hands, and a 
settled life. Trade thus becomes inconsistent with 
slavery, and hostile to it; and the more so as it be- 
comes more dependent on the collection of oil, ground- 
nuts, and other products of agriculture. Covering the 
coast now with ti^ading establishments, excludes the 
slaver. The efforts of the squadrons were necessary to 
carry out this proceeding, for commerce needed to be 
protected against the piracies of the slaver afloat and 
the ravages of the slaver on shore. 

Exposure to capture gave origin to the barracoons. 
A slaver could no longer leisurely dispose of her cargo, 
at different points, in return for slaves who happened 
to be there. The crime now required concealment and 
rapidity. Wholesale dealers on shore had to collect 
victims sufficient for a cargo to be taken on board at a 
moment's notice. This required that the slaver should 
arrive at the station, with arrangements previously 
made with the slave-factor, ready to '^ take in ;" or that 

10 



218 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

she should bring oyer a cargo of goods in payment for 
tlie slaves. 

In the case of falling in with British cruisers, an 
American slaver was inviolate, on presenting her regis- 
ter, or sea-letter, as a proof of nationality, and could 
not be searched or detained. But the risk of falling in 
with American cruisers, especially if co-operating with 
the British, led to the disguise of legal trading ; with 
a cargo corresponding to the manifest, and all the ship's 
papers in form. An instance of this occmTed, as will 
be seen, in the capture of the second slaver by the 
" Perry." 

The American flag, in these ways, became deeply 
involved in the slave traffic. How far this acted injuri- 
ously to the interests of Africa, is seen in the complaints 
of Buchanan and Eoberts, and in the reports of our min- 
isters and consuls, and of those of the English, at Bra- 
zil. In 1849, the British consul at Bio, in his public 
correspondence, says: "One of the most notorious 
slave-dealers in this capital, when speaking of the em- 
ployment of American vessels in the slave-trade, said, 
a few days ago : ' I am worried by the Americans, who 
insist upon my hiring their vessels for slave-trade.' " 

Of this there is also abundant and distressing evi- 
dence from our own diplomatic officers. Besides a 
lengthy correspondence from a preceding minister near 
the court of Brazil, the President of the United States 



TRANSFER OF AMERICAN SLAVES. 219 

transmitted a report from the Secretary of State, in 
December, 1850, to the Senate of the United States, 
with documents relating to the African slave-trade. A 
resolution had previously passed the Senate, calling 
upon the Executive for this information. 

In these documents it is stated that " the number of 
American vessels which, since the 1st of July, 1844, 
until the 1st of October last (1849), sailed for the 
coast of Africa from this city, is ninety-three. ... Of 
these vessels, all, except -G.Ye, have been sold and de- 
livered on the coast of Africa, and have been engaged 
in bringing over slaves, and many of them have been 
captured with slaves on board. . . . This pretended sale 
takes place at the moment when the slaves are ready to 
be shipped ; the American captain and his crew going 
on shore, as the slaves are coming off, while the Por- 
tuguese or Italian passengers, who came out from Rio 
in her, all at once became the master and crew of the 
vessel. Those of the American crew who do not die of 
coast-fever, get back as they can, many of them being 
compelled to come over in slave- vessels, in order to get 
back at all. There is evidence in the records of the 
consulate, of slaves having started two or three times 
from the shore, and the master and crew from their 
vessel in their boat, carrying with them the flag and 
ship's papers ; when, the parties becoming frightened, 
both retroceded ; the slaves were returned to the shore, 



220 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

and tlie American master and crew again went on board 
the vessel. The stars and stripes were again hoisted 
over her, and kept flying until the cause of the alarm 
(an English cruiser) departed from the coast, and the 
embarkation was safely eifected." 

On the other hand, we have the following notice 
from Brazil : " As in former years, the slave-dealers 
have derived the greatest assistance and protection for 
their criminal purposes, from the use of the American 
flag, I am happy to add that these lawless and unprin- 
cipled traders are at present deprived of this valuable 
protection, by a late determination of the American 
naval commander-in-chief on this station, who has caused 
three vessels, illegally using the flag of the United 
States, and which were destined for African voyages, 
to be seized on their leaving this harbor. This proceed- 
ing has caused considerable alarm and embarrassment 
to the slave-dealers ; and, should it be continued, will 
be a severe blow to all slave-trading interests." 

Mr. Tod, the American Minister at the court of Bra- 
zil, in a letter to the Secretary of State, says : " As my 
predecessors had already done, I have, from time to 
time, called the attention of our government to the ne- 
cessity of enacting a stringent law, having in view the 
entire withdrawal of our vessels and citizens from this 
illegal commerce ; and after so much has been already 
written upon the subject, it may be deemed a work of 



TESTIMONY OF AMERICAN DIPLOMATISTS. 221 

supererogation to discuss it further. The interests at 
stake, however, are of so high a character, the integrity 
of our flag and the cause of humanity being at once 
involved in their consideration, I cannot refrain from 
bringing the topic afresh to the notice of my govern- 
ment, in the hope that the President may esteem it of 
such importance as to be laid before Congress, and that 
even at this late day, legislative action may be se- 
cured." 

In this communication, a quotation is made from 
Mr. Proffit, one of the preceding ministers, to the Sec- 
retary of State, February, 1844:, in which he says : " I 
regret to say this, but it is a fact not to be disguised 
or denied, that the slave-trade is almost entirely carried 
on under our flag, in American-built vessels, sold to 
slave-traders here, chartered for the coast of Africa, and 
there sold, or sold here — delivered on the coast. And, 
indeed, the scandalous traflSc could not be carried on to 
any great extent, were it not for the use made of om- 
flag, and the facilities given for the chartering of Amer- 
ican vessels, to carry to the coast of Africa the outfit 
for the trade, and the material for purchasing slaves." 

Mr. "Wise, the American Minister, in his dispatch of 
February 15th, 1845, said to Mr. Calhoun : 

" It is not to be denied, and I boldly assert it, that 
the administration of the imperial government of Bra- 
zil, is forcibly constrained by its influences, and is 



222 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

deeply inculpated in its guilt. With that it would, at 
first sight, seem the United States have nothing to do ; 
but an intimate and full knowledge of the subject in- 
fornis us, that the only mode of carrying on that trade 
between Africa and Brazil, at present, involves our laws 
and our moral responsibilities, a^^ directly and fully as 
it does those of this country itself. Our flag alone gives 
requisite protection against the right of visit, search, 
and seizure ; and our citizens, in all the characters of 
owners, consignees, of agents, and of masters and crews 
of our vessels, are concerned in the business, and par- 
take of the profits of the African slave-trade, to and 
from the ports of Brazil, as fully as the Brazilians them- 
selves, and others in conjunction with whom they carry 
it on. In fact, without the aid of our own citizens and 
our flag, it could not be carried on with success 
at all." 

To exhibit the state of the slave-trade prior to the 
equipment treaty in 1840, we have the following in- 
stances from parliamentary papers, and other British 
authority : 

" La Jeune Estelle, being chased by a British vessel, 
inclosed twelve negroes in casks, and threw them over- 
board." 

" M. Oiseau, commander of Le Louis^ a French ves- 
sel, in completing his cargo at Calaba, thrust the slaves 
into a narrow space three feet high^ and closed the 



CONDITION OF A SLAVE CARGO. 223 

hatclies. JSText morning fifty were found dead. 
Oisean coolly went ashore to purchase others to sup- 
ply their place." 

The following extract is from a report by Captain 
Hayes to the Admiralty, of a representation made to 
him respecting one of these vessels in 1832 : 

" The master having a large cargo of these human 
beings chained together^ with more humanity than his 
fellows, permitted some of them to come on deck, l)ut 
still chained together^ for the benefit of the air, when 
they immediately commenced jumping overboard, 
hand in hand, and drowning in couples ; and (contin- 
ued the person relating the circumstance) without any 
cause whatever. Now these people were just brought 
from a situation between decks, and to which they 
knew they must return, where the scalding perspiration 
was running from one to the other, .... And men dy- 
ing by their side, with full in their view, living and 
dead bodies chained together ; and the living, in addi- 
tion to all their other torments, laboring under the 
most famishing thirst (being in very few instances al- 
lowed more than a pint of water a day) ; and let it not 
be forgotten that these unfortunate people had just 
been torn from their country, their families, their all ! 
Men dragged from their wives, women from their hus- 
bands and children, girls fi:-om their mothers, and boys 
from their fathers ; and yet in this man's eye (for heart 



224 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

and soul he could have none), there was no cause what- 
ever for jumping overboard and drowning. This, in 
truth, is a rough picture, but it is not highly colored. 
The men are chained in jpaira^ and as a proof they are 
intended so to remain to the end of the voyage, their 
fetters are not locked^ hut riveted ly the hlacksmith • 
and as deaths are frequently occurring, living men are 
often for a length of time confined to dead bodies : the 
living man cannot be released till the blacksmith has 
performed the operation of cutting the clinch of the 
rivet with his chisel ; and I have now an officer on 
board the Dryad, who, on examining one of these slave- 
vessels, found not only living men chained to dead 
hodies^ hut the latter in aputi^id stateP^ 

In the notorious Spanish slaver, the Yeloz Passageira^ 
captured with five hundred and fifty-six slaves, after a 
severe action, the captain made the slaves assist to 
work the guns against their own deliverers. Five were 
killed and one desperately wounded. 

" This Yeloz Passageira had acquired so atrocious a 
reputation, that it became an object with om- commard- 
ers to make a special search for her. Captain Arabin, 
of the North Star^ having information on his home- 
ward voyage that she would cross his course near the 
equator, made preparations to attack her, though the 

* Parliamentary papers, presented 1832, B., pp. lYO, I7l. 



CHASING A BRAZILIAN SLAVER. 225 

North Star was of much inferior strengtli. Dr. Walsh, 
who was coming home in the British vessel, relates, 
that at breakfast, while the conversation was turning 
on the chances of meeting with the slaver, a midship- 
man entered the cabin, and said, in a hurried manner, 
that a sail was visible to the northwest. All rushed on 
deck, and setting their glasses, distinctly saw a large 
ship of three masts, apparently crossing their way. In 
about an hour she tacked, as if not liking their appear- 
ance, and stood away before the wind. The English 
captain gave chase. Escape seemed impracticable. 
The breeze freshened, her hull became distinctly visi- 
ble, and she was now ascertained to be a slaver. She 
doubled, however, in all directions, and seemed to 
change her course each moment to avoid her pursuers. 
Five guns were successively fired, and the English 
union-flag hoisted, but without effect; and the wind 
now dying away, the North Star began to drop astern. 
We kept a sharp look-out, with intense interest, lean- 
ing over the netting, and silently handing the glass to 
one another, as if a word spoken would impede our 
way. Thus closed the night. When morning dawned 
we saw her, like a speck on the horizon, standing due 
north. The breeze increased, and again the British 
captain gained on the slaver. Again long shots were 
sent after her, but she only crowded more sail to es- 
cape. At twelve we were entirely within gunshot, and 

10* 



226 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

one of our long bow guns was again fired at her. It 
struck the water along side, and then for the first time 
she showed a disposition to stop. While we were ^tg- 
paring a second, she hove to, and in a short time we 
were alongside of her, after a most interesting chase of 
thirty hours ; during which we ran three hundred 
miles." 

After all she was not the ship for which Captain 
Arabin had been looking out, but she was full of slaves. 
" Behind her foremast was an enormous gun, turning 
on a broad circle of iron, and enabling her to act as a 
pirate if her slaving speculation had failed. She 
had taken in on the coast of Africa five hundred and 
sixtj-two slaves, and had been out seventeen days, 
during which she' had thrown overboard fifty-five. 

"The slaves were all inclosed under grated hatch- 
ways between decks. The space was so low that they 
sat between each other's legs, and stowed so close to- 
gether that there was no possibility of their lying down 
or at all changing their position, by night or day. As 
they belonged to, or were shipped on account of, dif- 
ferent individuals, they were all branded like sheep, 
with the owners' marks, of difierent forms. These 
were impressed under their hearts, or on their arms, 
and as the mate informed me, with perfect indiffer- 
ence, " burnt with the red-hot iron." Over the hatch- 
ways stood a ferocious-looking fellow, with a scourge 



HOPE OF DELIVERANCE. 227 

of many-twisted thongs in liis hand, who was the slave- 
driver of the ship ; and whenever he heard the slight- 
est noise below, he shook it over them, and seemed 
eager to exercise it. I was quite pleased to take this 
hateful badge out of his hand ; and I have kept it ever 
since as a horrid memorial of the reality, should I ever 
be disposed to forget the scene I witnessed. 

" As soon as the poor creatures saw us looking down 
at them, their dark and melancholy visages brightened 
up. They perceived something of sympathy and kind- 
ness in our looks, which they had not been accustomed 
to ; and feeling instinctively that we were friends, they 
immediately began to shout and clap their hands. One 
or two had picked up a few Portuguese words, and 
cried out, Yiva ! viva ! The women were particularly 
excited. They all held up their arms, and when we 
bent down and shook hands with them, they could not 
contain their delight : they endeavored to scramble up 
on their knees, stretching up to kiss our hands, and we 
understood they knew we were coming to liberate them. 
Some, however, hung their heads in apparently hope- 
less dejection ; some were greatly emaciated, and some, 
particularly children, seemed dying. But the circum- 
stance which struck us most forcibly was, how it was 
possible for such a number of human beings to exist, 
packed up and wedged together as tight as they could 
cram, in low cells, three feet high, the greater part of 



228 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

which, except that immediately imder the grated hatch- 
ways, were shut out from light and air ; and this, when 
the thermometer, exposed to open sky, was standing in 
the shade on om^ deck at 89°. The space between 
decks, divided into two compartments, was three feet 
three inches high ; the size of one was 16 feet by 18, 
and of the other 40 by 21 ; into the first were crammed 
the women and the girls, into the second the men and 
boys. Two hundred and twenty-six fellow-creatures 
were thus thrust into one space of 288 square feet, and 
three hundred and thirty into another space of 800 
square feet, giving the whole an average of 23 inches '^ 
and to each of the women not more than 13 inches. 
We also found manacles and fetters of different kinds ; 
but it appeared that they all had been taken off before 
we boarded. The heat of these horrid places was so 
great, and the odor so offensive, that it was quite 
impossible to enter them, even had there been room. 
They were measured as above when the slaves had left 
them. The officers insisted that the poor suffering 
creatures should be admitted on deck, to get air and 

water On looking into the places where they had 

been crammed, there were found some children next 
the sides of the ship, in the places most remote from 
air and light ; they were lying nearly in a torpid state, 
after the rest had tm^ned out. The little creatures 
seemed indifferent as to life or death ; and when they 



THE VICTIMS ABANDONED. 229 

were carried on deck, many of them could not stand. 
After enjoying, for a short time, the nnusual luxnry of 
air, some water was brought ; it was then that the ex- 
tent of their sufferings was exposed in a fearful manner. 
They all rushed like maniacs towards it. 'No entreaties, 
or threats, or blows could restrain them ; they shrieked, 
and struggled and fought with one another, for a drop 
of ^this precious liquid, as if they grew rabid at the 
sight of it. There is nothing which slaves, in the mid- 
passage, suffer from so much as want of water. It is 
sometimes usual to take out casks filled with sea-water 
as ballast, and when the slaves are received on board, 
to start the casks and refill them with fresh. On one 
occasion, a ship from Bahia neglected to change the 
contents of the casks, and on the mid-passage found, to 
their horror, that they were filled with nothing but salt- 
water. All the slaves on hoard perisliedP 

At the time of this seizure, Brazil was precluded 
from the slave-trade north of the equator ; but the period 
had not arrived when, by treaty, the southern trade 
was to be extinguished. " The captain of this slaver 
was provided with papers, which exhibited an apparent 
conformity to the law, and which, false as they may 
have been, yet could in no way be absolutely disproved. 
The accounts of the slaves themselves, who stated they 
had originally come from parts of Africa nortJi of the 
line — the course which the slaver was steering — ^her 



230 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

flight from the English cruiser — were circumstances 
raising suspicion the most violent ; but the reader will 
be not a little disappointed to learn, that, with all this, 
the case was deemed too doubtful, in point of legal 
proof, to bear out a legal detention ; and the slaver 
therefore, after nine hours of close investigation, was 

finally set at liberty, and suffered to proceed It 

was dark when we separated, and the last parting 
sounds we heard from the unhallowed ship, were the 
cries and shrieks of slaves, suffering under some bodily 
infliction." — Walsh^ vol. ii. pp. 474-484. 

The question arises, ought not humanity to have 
overcome all these considerations, and led to the deliv- 
erance of the victims? If one death in such circum- 
stances had occurred, ought not a sense of justice to 
have led to the detention of the slaver, and the convey- 
ance of the captain to his own government, to be tried 
for murder ? 

The traders of France were nearly in the same posi- 
tion with those of the United States, and there was the 
same necessity for guarding against the abuse of their 
flag. Before proceeding to the proper history of the 
American squadron in its eftbrts for the great purposes 
it had in view, it may be advisable briefly to notice 
that France, in 1845, had formed with England a treaty 
under which both parties engaged to keep a squadron 
of not less than twenty-six cruisers on the coast. The 



THE FRENCH SQUADRON. 231 

number was afterwards, by a separate agreement, re- 
duced on the part of France to twelve vessels. 

The reasons for this, and the few captures made by 
Trench vessels, apply as well to the American cruisers, 
and accomit for the nature of the stipulation in the 
treaty of Washington, that the United States should 
only employ on the African coast a squadron of eighty 
guns. These two nations have not, as England has, the 
right by treaty with other powers, to interfere with any 
vessels except their own. Hence the captures made by 
English cruisers necessarily outnumbered greatly the 
captures made by both the other powers. 

The duty of the American and French squadron was 
in fact restrictive in respect to their own citizens alone ; 
and while indispensable for the general success of these 
operations, they could not exhibit any thing like the 
same amount of result in captures, whatever might be 
the zeal and activity of the cruisers. Several slavers, 
however, have been captured by this squadron ; and its 
presence has restrained the employment of the French 
flag in that ti^affic. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

UNITED STATES SQUADRON TREATY OF WASHINGTON. 

There has been noted in the history of Liberia, prior 
to the establishment of the commonwealth, the occa- 
sional arrival of American men-of-war on the west 
coast of Africa. But an organized squadron was not 
established until the year 1843. 

The question as to the effects arising from the abuse 
of the American flag was brought into discussion in 
1842, between American and British diplomatists. 
Great Britain had to acknowledge, as the slave-trade 
by the United States had only been declared piracy in 
a municipal sense, that although a vessel was fully 
equipped for the trade, or even had slaves on board, if 
American, she was in no sense amenable to British 
cruisers. It, however, leaves the question unsettled. 
How is a vessel to be ascertained to be American ? The 
plea that any vessel, hoisting any flag, is thereby 
secured against all interference in all circumstances, 
never can be seriously offered as a principle of national 
law. I^either the United States nor any other power 
has ever acted on a dogma of this breadth. The 



jS^ATIOIS'ALITY ; HOW ASCERTAINED. 233 

United States do not claim that their flag shall give 
immunity to those who are not American ; for snch a 
claim would render it a cover to piracy and to acts of 
the greatest atrocity. Bnt any vessel which hoists the 
American flag, claims to be American, and therefore 
while she may be boarded and examined by an Ameri- 
can cruiser, this right is not conceded to a foreign 
cruiser ; for the flag is prima facie evidence, although 
not conclusive proof of nationality ; and if such vessel 
be really American, the boarding officer will be re- 
garded in the light of a tresj)asser, and the vessel will 
have all the protection which that flag supplies. If, on 
the other hand, the vessel prove not to be American, 
the flag illegally worn will afford her no protection. 
Therefore a foreign officer boarding a vessel under the 
flag of the United States, does it upon his own respon- 
sibility for all consequences. 

These principles have been carried out in the co- 
operation and joint cruising with British vessels, as will 
hereafter be seen, mth occasional exceptions of blus- 
tering and blundering, when American cruisers were 
absent. This state of things, however, sometimes pro- 
duces a strange dilemma. The brig " Lawrence," which 
was really American, was captured and condemned by 
an English admiralty court, as a slaver, all of which 
was contrary to national rights. But it was made out 
that she was a slaver, and although the master pro- 



234 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tested, he found himself helpless. The vessel was 
justly condemned as a slaver, but condemned by the 
wrong party, which had no legal jmisdiction over her. 
The master was a pirate if he fell into the hands of 
American authorities, and thus was debarred all claim 
for redress. 

There is no doubt that many such cases occmTcd, 
and would again on the withdrawal of the squadron. 
This, therefore, gave a kind of impunity to the British 
cruisers, in violating the rights of the American flag, 
and kept things in an unsound state. The only remedy 
for it, was in the permanent establishment of an Ameri- 
can squadron on the coast. 

Dr. Hall, the agent in the Maryland colony at Cape 
Palmas says, " ]^o stronger incentive could be given to 
the commission of these outrageous acts on the part of 
the British cruisers, than the course pursued by the 
United States government, in declaring the slave-trade 
piracy, and then taking no effective steps to prevent its 
prosecution under their own flag !" Again : " If our 
force is not increased, and we continue to disregard the 
prostitution of our flag, annoyances to our merchant- 
men will more frequently occur. We shall no longer 
receive the protection of British cruisers, which has 
ever been rendered to American vessels, and without 
which the whole coast would be lined with robbers 
and pirates." 



CHAPTEK XXIII. 

CASE OF THE " MARY CARVER," SEIZED BY THE NATIVES MEAS- 
URES OF THE SQUADRON IN CONSEQUENCE DESTRUCTION OF 

TOWNS LETTER FROM U. S. BRIG " TRUXTOn" IN RELATION TO 

A CAPTURED SLAVER. 

The treaty of Washington in 184:2, settled and de- 
fined matters clearly and honorably, both to the United 
States and Great Britain ; and agreeably to the treaty, 
the African squadron vras established in the year fol- 
lowing, nnder the command of Commodore Matthew 
C. Perry, consisting of the flag-ship Macedonian, the 
sloop -of- war Saratoga, the sloop-of-war Decatur, and 
the brig Porpoise. The squadron selected its rendez- 
vous at Porto Praya, St. Jago, one of the Cape Yerde 
Islands, in lat. 14° 54' :N'. and long. 23° 30' W. 

One of the first acts of this squadron was the chas- 
tisement of the natives for an outrage on American 
commerce. 

The people of Little Berebee, eastward of Cape 
Palmas, had some time previously murdered the cap- 
tain and crew of the American brig "Mary Carver." 
This occurrence of itself establishes one point, which is 
the necessity of having cruisers on such a coast. The 



236 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

safety of commerce and the general welfare of the 
world are promoted by inspiring wrong-doers with 
wholesome terror. 

On two occasions, towns have been captm-ed, and in 
one instance a town fired, by om^ squadrons on the coast 
of Smnatra, for similar atrocities on onr merchant 
vessels. But the impression is soon forgotten, and the 
necessity for punishment occurs again. I^ow it may be 
expedient to act . thus at a distance, and ti^ust only to 
occasional proofs of just severity ; but when wrong is 
ever ready to arise, it would be better that the means 
of correction were at hand ; for in this way is the 
wrong-doing most readily prevented. Such, therefore, 
is the best arrangement for all parties. 

In a country so near as Africa, and with which the 
United States is so closely connected, the duty of pre- 
venting evil by the presence of power, is imperative ; 
otherwise we at once jeopardize our citizens, and lead 
the savage into crime. 

The commodore, with the frigate Macedonian, the 
Saratoga, and Decatur, proceeded to Cape Palmas. 
Such was then the tendency to warfare, that the salu- 
ting was misinterpreted as the commencement of a 
fight, and brought down a hostile tribe to share in the 1 
conflict or the spoils. These natives attacked the post 
called Fort Tubman, eastward of Cape Palmas, and 
suffered some loss in being driven off. 



CHASTISEMENT OF THE NATIVES. 237 

The squadron tlien proceeded to Berebee. Hay- 
ing landed a force of about two hundred men, 
and called together the chiefs and head men, some 
palavering, and a great deal of lying on the part of 
the natives, took j^lace. They had really prepared foi- 
a conflict, which on their attempting to run oft\ took 
place. In the melee, the king was unintentionally 
killed, eight or ten more suffered,, and the palisades 
and houses were burnt. 

Landings took place afterwards at towns along the 
coast, which had shared in the crime and in the spoils. 
A few straggling shots were fired from the shores and 
from the woods, but without causing any loss. The 
stockades and dwelling-places were committed to the 
flames. 

Four towns were burnt, containing " from fifty to one 
hundred houses each, neatly built with wicker-work, 

and thatched with palmetto It was the commodore's 

orders to destroy property, but spare life." This was 
right ; but we have the reflection that the penalties may 
not fall altogether upon the guilty, and that in every 
point of view the prevention of such murderous out- 
rages as here met punishment, is, when it can be done 
by a show of authority, better than such retaliation. 

Humanity gained in other respects by this chastise- 
ment. The capricious hostilities of the natives against 
the Maryland colony were checked, and their appetite 



238 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

for plunder brouglit under wholesome correction, while 
missionaries were secured against their violence. A 
native also who was being tortured, under a senseless 
accusation of causing sickness in a chief, was rescued. 
All treaties by which the colonies consent to the incor- 
poration of the natives, stipulate that this atrocity 
shall cease. The thinking men among the natives feel 
no repugnance in giving it up. It is well that the colo- 
nial and native authorities be sustained in counteracting 
the furious superstition of the mob, by the power of 
solemn obligation. 

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ameri- 
can Colonization Society, February 3d, 1844, from J. 
I^. Lewis, acting Colonial Secretary of Liberia, it is re- 
marked, " Some months ago the Porpoise sent home 
the American brigantine Uncas, under very suspicious 
circumstances. There can be no doubt but that her in- 
tention was to take from the coast a cargo of slaves. 
Still I am under the impression that your courts will 
acquit her. I am informed that a bill is before Con- 
gress making it criminal for vessels under the Ameri- 
can flag to sell goods at slave-factories. If such a bill 
pass the Houses, the slave-traders will be much injured, 
as they get their principal supplies from vessels bear- 
ing the flag of your country Your flag is used to pro- 
tect the slavers from interference by British vessels of .ft] 
war while they are landing their cargoes ; and when 



THE SQUADRON AND LIBERIA, 239 

the slaves are put on board they throw overboard, or 
otherwise destroy, the ' stars and stripes,' and depend 
upon the swiftness of their sailing to escape capture by 
a British man-of-war." 

The squadron was actively employed, cruising over 
the entire extent of the slave-coast, rendering aid and 
protection to legal commerce, and checking the slave- 
trade carried on in American vessels. It was relieved 
in 1845 by the arrival of Commodore Skinner, with the 
sioops-of-war Jamestown, Yorktown, and Preble, and 
the brig Truxton. 

The commander of the Decatur, on his return to the 
United States, in a letter addressed to the Secretary of 
the Massachusetts Colonization Society, alluding to the 
object of the Society, says that he cannot but view it 
"as one of the most interesting and important that can 
claim the attention and sympathy of the Christian and 
philanthropist at the present day : besides, that in a po- 
litical and national point of view, it is, I think, well 
worthy the study of our ablest statesmen, and the fos- 
tering aid of government, in consideration of the present 
and future prosperity of our agricultural, manufactur- 
ing and commercial interests. For were Africa, as she 
is now, to be struck out of existence, all these interests 
would feel it a calamity ; but were a requisition now 
made for only a single garment for each individual of 
the myriads of the African race, it would probably re- 



240 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

quire the energies of the whole world for at least five 
years to come to supply it." 

A letter from an officer of the Triixton, off Sierra 
Leone, dated March 29th, 1845, sajs : " Here we are 
in tow of Her Britannic Majesty's steamer Ardent, with 
an American schooner, onr prize, and a Spanish brig- 
antine, prize to the steamer, captm^ed in the Rio Pon- 
gas, one hundred miles to the northward. We had 
good information when we left Monrovia, that there 
was a vessel in the Pongas, waiting a cargo ; and on 
our arrival off the river, finding an English man-of-war 
steamer, arrangements were made to send a combined 
boat expedition, to make captures for both vessels." 
The American boats were in charge of Lieutenant Blunt. 

" On coming in sight, our little schooner ran up 
American colore, to protect herself from any suspicion, 
when our boats, after running along side of her, pro- 
duced the stripes and stars, much to the astonishment 
of those on board. She proved to be the Spitfire, of 
'New Orleans, and ran a cargo of slaves from the same 
place last year. Of only about one hundred tons ; but 
though of so small a size she stowed three hundred and 
forty-six negroes, and landed near Matanzas, Cuba, 
three hundred and thirty-nine. 

" Between her decks, where the slaves are packed, 
there is not room enough for a man to sit, unless in- 
clining his head forward : their food, half a pint of 






THE HAUNTS OF THE SLAVER. 241 

rice per day, witli one pint of water. JSTo one can im- 
agine the sufferings of slaves on their passage across, 
unless the conveyances in which they are taken are 
examined. Onr friend had none on board, but his 
cargo of three hundred were ready in a barracoon, 
waiting a good opportunity to start. A good hearty 
negro costs but twenty dollars, or thereabouts, and is 
purchased for rum, powder, tobacco, cloth, &c. They 
bring from three to four hundred dollars in Cuba. The 
English are doing every thing in their power to prevent 
the slave-trade ; and keep a force of thirty vessels on 
this coast, all actively cruising. Tlie British boats 
also brought down a prize ; and the steamer is at this 
moment towing the Truxton, the Triixton's prize, and 
her own, at the rate of six miles an hour. 

" It is extremely difficult to get up these rivers to the 
places where the slavers lie. The whole coast is inter- 
sected by innumerable rivers, with branches pouring 
into them from every quarter, and communicating with 
each other by narrow, circuitous and very numerous 
creeks, bordered on each side with impenetrable thick- 
ets of mangroves. In these creeks, almost concealed by 
the trees, the vessels lie, and often elude the strictest 
search. But when they have taken on board their liv- 
ing cargo, and are getting out to sea, the British are 
very apt to seize them, except, alas ! when they are 
protected hy the hanner of the United States.'^'' 

11 



242 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The Sierra Leone Watchman, of February 19th, 
adds, that " the slave-traders at Shebar and in the river 
Gallinas had been much emboldened by the prosecu- 
tion of Captain Denham, in England, for his summary 
destruction of sundry barracoons, and openly asserted 
their determination to seek redress in the English 
courts, if they were again molested in their opera- 
tions." 



CHAPTEE XXIY. 

CAPTURE OF THE SLAVE-BARQUE " PONS" SLAVES LANDED AT 

MONROVIA CAPTURE OF THE SLAVE-EQUIPPED VESSELS 

" PANTHER," " ROBERT WILSON," " CHANCELLOR," ETC. LET- 
TER FROM THE " Jamestown" in reference to Liberia — 

AFFAIR WITH THE NATIVES NEAR CAPE PALMAS SEIZURE 

AND CONDEMNATION OF THE SLAVER " H. N. GAMBRILL." 

On the 30tli of JTovember, the YorktovTn, Com- 
mander Bell, captm^ed the American bark " Pons," off 
Kabenda, on the sonth coast, with eight hundred and 
ninetv-six slaves on board. This vessel had been at 
Kabenda abont twenty days before, during which 
she had been closely watched by^the British cruiser 
" Cygnet." The Cygnet, leaving one morning, the 
master of the Pons, James Berry, immediately gave 
up the ship to Gallano, the Portuguese master. Dur- 
ing the day, so expeditious had they been, that water 
and provisions were received on board, and nine hun- 
dred and three slaves were embarked ; and at eight 
o'clock the same evening, the Pons was under way. 
Instead of standing out to sea, she kept in with the 
coast during the night ; and in th$ morning discover- 



244 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG, 

ing the British, cruiser, furled sails, and drifted so close 
to the shore that the negroes came down to the beach 
in hopes of her being wrecked. ^She thus eluded detec- 
tion. When clear of the Cygnet, she stood out to 
sea, and two days afterwards was captured by the 
Yorktown. 

Commander Bell says : " The captain took us for an 
English man-of-war, and hoisted the American colors ; 
and no doubt had papers to correspond." These he 
threw overboard. " As soon as the slaves were recap- 
tured, they gave a shout that could have been heard a 
mile." 

During the night eighteen of the slaves had died, and 
one jumped overboard. The master accounted for the 
number dying from the necessity of his sending below 
all the slaves on deck, and closing the hatches, when 
he fell in with the Yorktown, in order to escape de- 
tection. Ought not every such death to be regarded as 
murder ? 

Commander Bell says : " The vessel has no slave- 
deck, and upwards of eight hundred and fifty were 
piled, almost in bulk, on water-casks below. As the 
ship appeared to be less than three hundred and fifty 
tons, it seemed impossible that one-half could have 
lived to cross the Atlantic. About two" hundred filled 
up the spar-deck alone when they were permitted to 
come up from below ; and yet the captain assured me 



CAPTURE OF THE SLAVER PONS. 245 

that it was his intention to have taken four hundred 
'more on board, if he conld have spared the time. 

" The stench from below was so great that it was im- 
possible to stand more than a few minutes near the 
hatchways. Our men who went below from curiosity, 
were forced up sick in a few minutes : then all the 
hatches were off. What must have been the sufferings 
of those poor wretches, when the hatches were closed ! 
I am informed that very often in these cases, the 
stronger will strangle the weaker ; and this was proba- 
bly the reason why so many died, or rather were found 
dead the morning after the capture. N^one but an eye- 
witness can form a conception of the horrors these poor 
creatures must endure in their transit across the ocean. 

" I regret to say, that most of this misery is produced 
by our own countrymen. They furnish the means of 
conveyance in spite of existing enactments; and al- 
though there are strong circumstances against Berry, 
the late master of the Pons, sufficient to induce me 
to detain him, if I should meet him, I fear neither 
he nor his employers can be reached by our present 
laws." 

In this letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Comman- 
der Bell further adds : " For twenty days did Berry wait 
in the roadstead of Kabenda, protected by the flag of 
his country, yet closely watched by a foreign man-of- 
war, who was certain of his intention : but the instant 



246 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

that cruiser is compelled to withdraw for a few honrs, 
he springs at the opportunity of eni'iching himself and 
owners, and disgracing the flag which had protected him." 

The prize " Pons" was taken to Monrovia. There the 
slaves were landed, and gave the people a practical 
exhibition of the trade by which their ancestors had been 
torn from their homes. In the fourteen days interven- 
ing between the capture and arrival of the vessel at 
Mom'ovia, one hundred and fifty had died. 

"The slaves," says the Monrovia Herald of Decem- 
ber 28th, " were much emaciated, and so debilitated 
that many of them found difficulty in getting out of the 
boats. Such a spectacle of misery and wretchedness, 
inflicted by a lawless and ferocious cupidity, so excited 
our people, that it became unsafe for the captain of the 
slaver, who had come to look on, to remain on the 
beach. Eight slaves died in harbor before they were 
landed, and the bodies were thrown overboard." 

The slaves, who were from eight to thirty years of 
age, came starved and thirsting from on board. Cau- 
tion was required in giving them food. " When it was 
supposed that the danger of depletion was over, water 
was pom-ed into a long canoe, into which they plunged 
like hungry pigs into a trough — the stronger faring the 
best." 

Still, the kindness of human nature had not altogether 
been obliterated by length and intensity of sufiering. 



DISPOSITION OF THE RECAPTURED. 247 

Two boys, brothers, had found beside them a younger 
boy of the same tribe, who was ill. They contrived to 
nestle together on the deck, under such shelter as the 
cover of the long-boat offered them — a place where the 
pigs, if they are small enough, are generally stowed. 
There they made a bed of some oakum for their dying 
companion, and placed a piece of old canvas under 
his head. ISTight and day one was always awake to 
watch him. Hardship rendered their care fruitless : 
the night after the vessel anchored he died, and was 
thrown overboard. 

The recaptured were apprenticed out, and kindly 
cared for by the Liberians. Several of them were 
found, when the Perry visited Monrovia, to have be- 
come members of churches, and others were attending 
Sunday-schools. 

Several empty slavers were captured by the squadron 
about this period ; they are thus noticed by the JSTational 
Intelligencer : — " It is remarkable that within the same 
week, should have arrived in our ports as prizes to the 
American squadron, for having been engaged in the 
slave-trade — the Pons, above mentioned, captured by 
the Yorktown ; the Panther, a prize of the same ves- 
sel, which arrived at Charleston on Monday ; and the 
Robert Wilson, a prize to the sloop-of-war Jamestown, 
which reached Charleston on Thursday." 

In 1846, the sloop-of-war Marion, brigs Dolphin and 



248 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Boxer, witli the flag-sMp United States, Commodore 
Read, constituted tlie squadron. 

Sixty miles of additional sea-coast territory had been 
purchased by Governor Eoberts, from the natives. The 
inilnence of traders, of the slave-trade, and even of 
England being thrown in the way of obtaining posses- 
sion of the purchased territory. Governor Roberts made 
application to the commodore, that one of the vessels 
of the squadron might cruise for several weeks within 
the limited territory, for the purpose of facilitating 
negotiation. The Dolphin was assigned this service; 
her commander offered General Lewis, the agent, a 
passage to such points as he wished to visit, and other- 
wise rendered service as circumstances required. 

The Dolphin was lying at Cape Mount, watching the 
suspicious American bark " Chancellor," which was 
trading with a slave- dealer named Canot. The British 
cruiser "Favorite" was stationed off the Cape, and sug- 
gested to the chiefs, that as they were in treaty with 
his government for the suppression of the slave-trade, 
and as Canot was on their territory making prepara- 
tions for slaving, they were bound to destroy his estab- 
lishment. The chiefs accordingly burnt his premises, 
containing a large amount of goods he had shipped at 
New York. Canot having been by no means secure in 
conscience, had left with his family and taken up his 
residence in Monrovia. 



WEATHERING THE CRUISERS. 249 

The Dolphin proceeded to Porto Praya for stores, and 
the Chancellor was watched in the mean time by the 
British cruisers at the Cape and at the Gallinas. Among 
the traverses worked by the slave-traders, the practice 
had been adopted, to fill canoes with slaves and send 
them off the coast, to be picked up by vessels in search 
of a cargo, which, from the blockade, could not reach 
the shore. In one instance, fifty of these were found 
in a single canoe, and taken by a British cruiser. On 
the return of the Dolphin, the Chancellor was seized 
by Commander Pope as a prize, on the ground of hav- 
ing a slave-deck laid, and water-casks with rice on 
board sufficient for a slave cargo, and sent to the United 
States for adjudication. 

The commodore, after having cruised along the 
entire extent of the slave-coast, rendering such service 
as American interests required, was relieved, in 1847, 
by the sloop-of-war Jamestown, Commodore Bolton. 
The frigate United States then proceeded to the Medi- 
terranean station, to complete her cruise. 

The commander of the Jamestown writes, in rela- 
tion to Monrovia, "It was indeed to me a novel and 
interesting sight, although a southern man, to look upon 
these emancipated slaves legislating for themselves, and 
discussing freely, if not ably, the principles of human 
rights, on the very continent, and perhaps the very 
spot, where some of their ancestors were sold into 

11* 



250 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

slavery Liberia, I think, is now safe, and may be 

left after a while to stand alone. Wonld it not be 
advisable, then, for the Colonization Society to turn its 
attention to some other portion of the coast, and extend 
the area of Christian and philanthroiDic efforts to bet- 
tering the condition of the colored people of onr coun- 
try, by sowing on other parts of the coast some of the 
good seed which has produced so bountifully on the 

free soil of Liberia In no part of the world have 

I met with a more orderly, sober, religious and moral 
community than is to be found at Monrovia. On the 
Sabbath, it is truly a joyful sound to hear hymns of 
praise offered up to Him who doth promise, ' where two 
or three are gathered together in His name, there He 
is in the midst of them ;' and a pleasure to observe how 
very general the attendance upon divine worship is 
among these people. I believe every man and woman 
in Monrovia, of any respectability, is a member of the 
church. If you take a family dinner with the Presi- 
dent (and his hospitable door is always open to 
strangers), a blessing is asked upon the good things 
before you set to. Take a dinner at Colonel Hicks's 
(who, by the way, keeps one of the very nicest tables), 
and 'mine host,' with his shiny, black, intelligent 
face, will ask a blessing on the tempting viands set 
before you.'' 

This may be considered a fair type of the views of 



CHANGES m THE SQUADRON. 251 

persons generally who visit Liberia, judging the peo- 
ple comparatively. Our estimate of them ought not 
to be conformed to the standard of an American popu- 
lation. 

The squadron confined mostly to the north coast, ren- 
dered such services as the commerce of the United 
States and the interest of its citizens required, and 
checked the perversion of the flag to the continuance 
of the slave-trade. The year following, the commodore 
was relieved by the Yorktown, bearing the broad pen- 
dant of Commodore Cooper, and with the flag-ship 
proceeded to the Mediterranean. 

Commodore Cooper soon after assuming the com- 
mand, suffering from ill-health, retmned to the United 
States, and the African squadron was assigned to Com- 
modore Gregory, who sailed in the summer of 1849, 
in the U. S. sloop-of-war Portsmouth. It consisted of 
the sloops-of-war John Adams, Dale, Yorktown, and 
the brigs Bainbridge, Porpoise and Perry. Three or 
four slavers were captm-ed, the entire slave-coast closely 
examined, and such services rendered to our commer- 
cial interests as were required. 

In 1851, Commodore Lavallette, with the Germantown, 
relieved Commodore Gregory. He made an active 
cruise, capturing one or two suspected slavers, and 
otherwise carrying out the views of the government in 
the establishment of the squadron. At the expiration 



252 A.FRICA AND THE AMERICAJiT FLAG. 

of two years, the frigate Constitution arrived, bearing 
the broad pendant of Commodore Mayo, who now com- 
mands the sqnadron, consisting of the sloops-of-war 
Marion and Dale, with the brig Perry. 

In visiting Cape Palmas in the summer of 1853, one 
of the unintelligible quarrels common to the coast was 
then raging between the Barbo people and their neigh- 
bors along the Cavally. Interfering to settle the matter 
was by no means acceptable. When the commodore 
proposed going on shore for the purpose, the proposal 
was met by an intimation to go away, or they would 
cut off his head. The launch was sent off well 
manned, with a howitzer. The natives assembled with 
a show of resistance, but a shot being thrown among 
them, brought the belligerents to terms. They apolo- 
gized, and promised to reconcile their enmities, and 
took the oath of friendship. 

The American schooner IST. H. Gambrill, of Balti- 
more, attempting to re-awaken the small remains of 
slaving off the river Congo, was seized by the frigate 
Constitution on the 3d of December, arrived in ]^ew 
York in charge of a prize- officer, and on the 30th of 
January, 1854, was condenmed in the U. S. Circuit 
Court, for having been engaged in the slave-trade. 

Considering that we have had no steamers on the 
coast, and the number of vessels being small, the 
squadron has been efficient in fulfilling its duties. Its 



EFFECTS OF SQUADRON CRUISING. 253 

appearance alone had great influence. It showed a 
determination in our government to share in the naval 
charge of these vast seas and shores. Our country 
thus became present, as it were, in power to repress, 
and if need be, bj punishment to avenge outrages on 
our citizens or their property. It checked, by impor- 
tant captures, the desecration of the American flag, 
and has had an essential agency towards removing the 
guilt of the slave-trade from the world. Had we no 
squadron on the African coast, American vessels would 
with impunity pursue the iniquitous traffic ; our com- 
merce w^ould be exposed, and our citizens subject to 
outrage. The natm'e of the proceedings of this squad- 
ron, the circumstances of its experience, and the effect 
of its operations, will be more clearly apparent in the 
subsequent detail of the proceedings of the U. S. brig 
"Perry," during the years 1850-1851. The following 
chapters will comprise a synopsis of these proceedings, 
and a compilation from the coiTespondence in relation 
to them. 



CHAPTEK XXY. 

CRUISE OF THE " PERRy" INSTRUCTIONS DISPATCHED TO THE 

SOUTH COAST BENGUELA CASE OF A SLAVER WHICH HAD 

CHANGED HER NATIONALITY CAPTURED BY AN ENGLISH 

CRUISER ST. PAUL DE LOANDA — ABUSE OF THE AMERICAN 

FLAG WANT OF A CONSUL ON THE SOUTH COAST — CORRES- 
PONDENCE WITH BRITISH OFFICERS IN RELATION TO SLAVERS 

UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG THE BARQUE *' NAVARRE " 

TREATY WITH PORTUGAL ABATEMENT OF CUSTOM-HOUSE DU- 
TIES CRUISING OFF AMBRIZ AN ARRANGEMENT MADE WITH 

THE BRITISH COMMODORE FOR THE JOINT CRUISING OF THE 

PERRY AMD STEAMER " CYCLOPS" CO-OPERATION WITH THE 

BRITISH SQUADRON FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF THE SLAVE- 
TRADE FITTING OUT OF AMERICAN SLAVERS IN BRAZIL, 

On the 21st of December, 1849, the " Perry" arrived 
at the Cape Yerde Islands, and was reported to the 
commodore of the American squadron. On the 9th 
of the succeeding month a communication was received 
from the commodore intimating his intention to dis- 
patch the vessel immediately on a cruise south of the 
equator : stating, that he should leave the commander 
to the exercise of his own judgment in general matters ; 
but as an object of the first consequence, called his 
attention to the observance of every means calculated 



SANITARY SUGGESTIONS. 255 

to preserve and insnre the healtli of his crew. He had 
been counselled by the experience of the fleet surgeon 
and others, that it was absolutely necessary for white per- 
sons to aYoid exposure to the heat of the day, and to the 
night air on shore, and always when at anchor to lie at a 
sufficient distance from the shore to avoid its deleterious 
effects. Besides these precautions, cleanliness of ship 
and persons, constant ventilation, proper food and 
clothing, sufficiency of water, and good discipline, had 
hitherto produced the happiest results, and no doubt 
would continue to do so. A number of Kroomen suffi- 
cient to man two boats, were to be furnished at Monro- 
via, which would relieve the crew ordinarily from the 
hazards of that duty. The officers and men should not be 
pemiitted to visit the shore unnecessarily ; or at all, when 
they could not, with certainty, retm^n at any moment. 
Care was to be observed in procuring good wholesome 
water, and in such abundance as to insure at all times, 
if possible, a full allowance to the crew ; and also to 
furnish them with fresh provisions and vegetables, 
whenever the opportunity offered. 

A record of all vessels boarded, with a report accord- 
ing to the form furnished, was required. 

The commander was reminded of the disposition of 
the government to cultivate and maintain the most 
fiiendly intercourse with all other nations or people, 
and was directed to govern himself accordingly. 



256 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The commodore also directed the commander of tlie 
Perry, wlien tbat vessel should be in all respects 
ready for sea, to proceed direct to Monrovia, where he 
would meet the U. S. sloop-of-war Torktown; the com- 
mander of which had been instructed to fill up the 
Perry with provisions, furnish sixteen Kroomen, and 
to render all needfal assistance required to expedite her 
movements. Making no unnecessary delay at Mon- 
rovia, the commander of the Perry was to proceed 
thence on the cruise, the limits of which would extend 
to the lat. of Cape St. Mary's, 13° south. 

It was recommended, that from Monrovia he should 
proceed off from the coast, keeping well to the west- 
ward, until crossing the equator and reaching the 
southern limits of the cruising-ground, for the purpose 
of avoiding the prevailing winds and currents, which, 
south of the line, would be adverse to progress in-shore, 
but favorable to a close examination, on the return 
northward. 

The object of the cruise was to protect the lawful 
commerce of the United States, and, under the laws 
of the United States, to prevent the flag and citizens of 
the United States from being engaged in the slave- 
trade ; and to carry out, in good faith, the treaty stipu- 
lations between the United States and England. 

After reaching the southern point of destination, or 
nearly so, the vessel was to cruise along the coast, ex- 



OBJECTS OF THE SOUTHERN CRUISE. 257 

aminmg the principal points, or slave-stations ; sncli as 
tlie Salinas, Benguela, Loancla, Ainbriz, Kiver Congo, 
and intermediate places, back towards Monrovia : the 
commander acting in all cases according to the best of 
his judgment, upon the information he might obtain, 
and circumstances that might present themselves ; tak- 
ing care, in no case, to exceed the instrnctions of the 
Hon. Secretary of the l^avj, furnished for his gui- 
dance. 

Should British cruisers be met, he might act 
in concert with them, so far as the instructions per- 
mitted. 

It was further noticed, that a number of suspected 
American vessels had been hovering on the coast, be- 
tween Cape St. Mary's and Cape Lopez, and that some 
of them had left the coast with slaves. Vessels clearly 
liable to capture and not provided with cargoes, might 
be sent directly to the United States. All captives 
found on board were to be landed at Monrovia. 

The Perry left the Cape Yerde Islands on the day 
in which her orders were issued, and arrived at Mon- 
rovia on the 20th. She there received provisions from 
the Yorktown, and sixteen Kroomen from the shore. 
Having exchanged salutes and visits of ceremony, she 
sailed on her southern cruise, and arrived at St. Philip 
de Benguela, after a passage of forty-one days, having, 
during the interval, boarded three legal traders. This 



258 AFRICA AIS^D THE AMERICAJS^ FLAG. 

passage was made on tlie port tack by standing to the 
southward and w^estward, into the southeast trades. 
But the passage from the north to the south coast 
should, in all cases, be made in-shore on the starboard 
tack ; as will be explained hereafter, during the third 
crui«e of the Perr j. 

At Bengu.ela, which is a Portuguese settlement, next 
in importance to St. Paul de Loanda, although now 
much dilapidated, and where the slave-trade has been 
carried on to a great extent, the customary exchange of 
a national salute and official visits was duly observed. 

The commander ascertained, on his arrival, that 
the American merchant vessels were subject to greater 
restrictions than probably would have been the case 
had a man-of-war occasionally made her appearance in 
that quarter. lie therefore intimated to the governor 
that our cruisers, in future, would visit that part of the 
coast more frequently than they had done for the last 
few years. 

Information w^as received, that five days previous to 
the arrival of the Perry, an English cruiser had cap- 
tured, near this place, a brig, with eight hundred 
slaves on board. In this case, it appeared that the ves- 
sel came from Eio de Janeiro, under American colors 
and papers, with an American captain and crew ; and 
had been, when on the coast, transferred to a Brazilian 
captain and crew, the Americans having gone on 



MIXED CHARACTER OF SLAVES. 259 

sHore witli the papers. The captured slaver was sent 
to the Island of St. Helena for adjudication. 

After remaining three days at Benguela, where 
neither fresh water nor provisions could be procured, 
the Perry weighed anchor and ran down the coast, ex- 
amining all intermediate points, and boarding several 
vessels during the passage to Loanda. This city is the 
capital of Loango, and the most flourishing of the Por- 
tuguese establishments on the African coast. 

In a letter announcing the arrival of the vessel, and 
her reception by the authorities, the ISTavy Department 
was informed that an English steamer had arrived, hav- 
ing recently captured a slaver, the barque Navarre, 
which had sailed from Rio de Janeiro to St, Catharine's, 
where she had fitted up for a slave cargo, and received 
a Brazilian captain and crew. When boarded by the 
English steamer, the slaver had American colors flying ; 
and on being told by the commander that her papers 
were forged, and yet that he could not search the vessel, 
but must send her to an American cruiser, the captain 
then ordered the American colors to be hauled down, 
and the Brazilian to be hoisted, declaring that she was 
Brazilian property, sent the Brazilian captain and 
crew on deck, and gave up the vessel. 

The commander of the Perry also informed the N"avy 
Department that, soon after his arrival at Loandaj he 



260 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

had receiyecl from yarious sources information of the 
abuse of the American flag in connection with the 
slave-trade ; and inclosed copies of letters and papers 
addressed to him by the British commissioner, and the 
commander of an English cruiser, which gave authen- 
tic information on the subject. 

He suggested that as the legitimate commerce of the 
United States exceeded that of Great Britain and 
France, on the coast south of the equator, and the 
American flag had been used to cover the most exten- 
sive slave-trade, it would seem that the presence of 
one or two men-of-war, and the appointment of a con- 
sul, or some public functionary at that place, were de- 
sirable. 

He noticed that the depot of stores at Porto Praya 
was so far removed, that a vessel could barely reach 
the southern point of the slave-stations before she was 
compelled, for want of provisions, to return and replen- 
ish. A consul or storekeeper there might, as is the 
case with the English or French, supply that division 
of the squadron, and thus a force might constantly be 
kept on that side of the equator, where, until the arrival 
of the Perry, there had been no American man-of-war 
for a period of two years. 

It had been intimated to him, as he further stated, 
by Americans, that if the U. S. government were aware 



STATE OF AFFAIRS AT THE SOUTH COAST. 261 

of the atrocities committed mider its flag, it might be 
induced to take some measm-es for preventing the sale 
of American vessels on the African coast, as in nearly 
every instance the vessel had been sold for the purpose 
of engaging in the slave-trade. Bnt if that should be 
regarded as too great a check upon the commercial in- 
terests of the United States, such sale, if made on that 
coast, might be duly notified to the proposed consul or 
agent, that the vessel should be known as having 
changed her nationality. 

All information showing the number of American 
vessels and American citizens engaged in the slave- 
trade being regarded as desirable, interviews on the sub- 
ject were held not only with the Americans engaged in 
mercantile pursuits, but with others, from whom relia- 
ble information could be derived. A list of American 
vessels, which had been on the coast during the pre- 
ceding year, was procured. Many of these vessels 
came fr-orn Rio and adjoining ports, with two sets of 
papers. A sea-letter had been granted by the consul 
in good faith, according to law, on the sale of a vessel 
in a foreign port ; the cargo corresponded with the 
manifest ; the consular certificate, crew list, port clear- 
ance, and all papers were in form. Several of these 
vessels, after discharging their cargoes, changed their 
flag ; the American captain and crew, with iiag and 



262 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

papers, leaving the vessel, and slie instantly becoming 
invested with Spanish, Portuguese, or Brazilian nation- 
ality.* 

By this arrangement, as the United States never has 
consented, and never ought to consent, even on the Af- 
rican coast, to grant to Great Britain, or any other 
power, the right of search, a slaver, when falling in 
with an American cruiser, would be prepared to elude 
search and capture by the display of a foreign ensign 
and papers, even had she slaves on board. And on the 
other hand, she might the same day fall in with a Brit- 
ish cruiser, and by displaying her flag, and pre- 
senting the register or sea-letter, vindicate her Ameri- 
can nationality. This illustrates the importance of 
men-of-war, belonging to each nation, cruising in com- 
pany for the detection of slavers. 

Great Britain being in treaty with Spain, Portugal, 
Brazil, Sardinia and other powers, the proposed mode 
of co-operation would lead to the detection of slavers 
under almost any nationality except that of France, 
which government has an efficient squadron of steam- 



* The papers of the second slaver captured by the Perry were in 
form, excepting the crew list, which showed but one American on 
board, who was master of the vessel. And in a letter of instructions 
from the reputed owner, he was required to leave whenever the Italian 
supercargo directed him to do so. This shows how readily the nation- 
ality of a vessel may be changed. 



AMERICAN VESSELS IN THE SLAVE-TRADE. 263 

ers and sailing vessels on the coast, fully prepared to 
vindicate her own flag.'^ 

In reference to vessels ostensibly American, which 
had been engaged in the slave-trade, a British officer, 
on the 21st of March, 1850, in a letter inclosing a list 
of American vessels which had been boarded by the 
cruiser imder his command, stated that all these vessels 
had afterwards taken slaves from the coast ; and with 
the exception of the "Lucy Ann,"f captured with five 
hundred slaves on board by a British steamer, had es- 
caped. The registers, or sea-letters, of these vessels 
appeared to be genuine ; and he being unable to detect 



* The master of the first slaver captured by the Perry, stated that 
had he not supposed she was an English cruiser, he would have been 
prepared with a foreign flag, and otherwise, to have eluded search and 
capture ; and that on a former occasion he had been boarded by an 
English cruiser, when, to use his own expression, he " bluffed off John 
Bull with that flag ;" referring to the American ensign. 

f The "Lucy Ann," when cajDtured, was boarded fifty or sixty miles 
to leeward, or north of Loanda. She had an American flag flying, al- 
though her papers had been deposited in the consul's office at Rio. 
The English boarding-officer, who was not allowed to see any papers, 
suspecting her character, prolonged his visit for some time. As he was 
about leaving the vessel, a cry or stifled groan was heard issuing from 
the hold. The main hatches were apparently forced up from below, al- 
though a boat was placed over them, and the heads of many people 
appeared. Five hundred and forty-seven slaves were found in the 
hold, almost in a state of suffocation. The master then hauled down 
the American flag, declared the vessel to be Brazilian, and gave 
her up. 



264 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

anj inaccuracies in their papers, his duty to the Amer- 
ican flag had ceased. The vessels in his list had been 
boarded by himself; but the senior ofiicer of the divis- 
ion was referred to, " who could give a list of many 
more, all of which would have been good prizes to an 
officer having the right of search ;" for he was well as- 
sured that they went over to that coast, fully fitted and 
equipped for the slave-trade. 

He expressed a regret that the pleasure of making 
acquaintance with the commander of the Perry had 
only fallen to his lot at a moment when the term of his 
service on the western coast of Africa had expired ; but 
was satisfied that not only on the part of the senior offi- 
cer commanding the southern division, but also of his 
brother officers still remaining in service on the coast, 
the most cordial co-operation would be afforded in the 
suppression of the slave-trade. 

The British commissioner, of the mixed commission 
under the treaty between Great Britain and Portugal 
for the suppression of the African slave-trade, also fur- 
nished a list of suspected slavers which had claimed 
American nationality. 

On the 25th of March, the commander requested the 
English captain to give him a detailed account of the 
circumstances attending the capture of the barque ]^a- 
varre, by her B. M. steamer Fire Fly. 

He asked for this information, as the Navarre wa^ 



TREAT^IENT OF THE ''NAVARRE." 265 

boarded wlien under American colors, although, dis- 
playing Brazilian colors when captured. 

In reply, the English captain informed him that the 
slave barque N^avarre, seized under the Brazilian flag, 
on the 19th instant, had the American ensign flying at 
the time she was boarded. The boarding-officer hav- 
ing doubts of her nationality, in consequence of her 
papers not appearing to be regular, he himself, al- 
though ill at the time, considered it his duty to go on 
board, when, being convinced that her pajDers were 
false, he informed the person calling himself master of 
her, that it was his duty to send him to the American 
squadron, or in the event of not falling in with them, to 
l^ew York. The master immediately went on deck 
and ordered the mate to haul down the American en- 
sign — to throw it overboard — and to hoist their proper 
colors. The American ensign was hauled down and 
thrown overboard by the mate, who immediately 
hoisted the Brazilian ensign. A man then came on 
deck from below, saying that he was captain of the 
vessel ; that she was Brazilian property, and fully fitted 
for the slave-trade ; which the person who first a]3- 
peared acknowledged, stating that he himself was a 
Brazilian subject. Having obtained this from them in 
writing, the person who first called himself captain 
having signed it, and having had the signing of the 
document witnessed by two officers, he opened her 

13 



^66 AFHICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

hatches, found all the Brazilian crew below, slave-deck 
laid, water filled, provisions for the slaves, and slave- 
shackles. 

At this period the agent of a large and respectable 
commercial honse in Salem, Massachusetts, established 
at Loanda, submitted to the commander of the Perry 
a copy of the treaty between the United States and 
Portugal, together with a letter from the Secretary of 
State, and a paper from an officer of the Treasury De- 
partment, exhibiting the commercial rights of the 
United States under said ti'eaty. 

The agent claimed that agreeably to the treaty, a 
portion of the duties were to be remitted when a vessel 
arrived direct from the United States ; which claim 
had not been acknowledged at Loanda, on the ground 
that the vessels were in the habit of touching at the 
native ports, while the agent insisted that as these ports 
were not recognized as within the jurisdiction of a civ- 
ilized government, the Portuguese provincial authori- 
ties had not faithfully observed the treaty stipulations. 

The subject was referred to the Government. 

After remaining a week in Loanda, making proper 
repairs on the vessel, and refreshing the crew, the 
Perry ran down the coast to the northward, for the 
purpose of cruising off Ambriz, a noted slave-station, 
under native authority, with several factories for legal 

"•de. AiTiving at this station the following morning, 



NATIO^^ALITY OF SLAVERS. 267 

three Englisli steam cruisers were in sight. The sec- 
ond lieutenant of the Perry was sent to call on the com- 
manding officer of the southern division of the British 
squadron, who soon afterwards called on board the 
American cruiser in person. 

In a letter, dated the 24th of March, the British com- 
manding officer informed the commander of the Per- 
ry, that it afforded him. great pleasure to witness the 
presence of a United States vessel on the southwest 
coast of Africa, to be employed in co-operation with 
British vessels in the suppression of the slave-trade. 
And he therefore took the liberty to transmit, by 
the officer of the Perry, kindly sent to wait upon 
him, two documents connected with Brazilian slave- 
vessels, which had lately come over to that coast, dis- 
playing the American ensign, and presenting to the 
English boarding-officer (as they had proven) fraudu- 
lent American papers. 

He assured him, that in the necessary examination of 
these papers, every respect had been paid to the Amer- 
ican flag, and the visit made in strict accordance with 
the treaty between the United States of America and 
Great Britain ; and that it was not until the different 
vessels had voluntarily hauled down their ensigns and 
destroyed their papers, stating at the same time that 
they were Brazilians, that possession was taken of 
them. He intimated that a letter — a copy of which 



268 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

was inclosed— had been addressed to him by a lieuten- 
ant of the "Cyclops," who had conducted to the Island 
of St. Helena one of the prizes, on board of which were 
two American seamen, and that this letter would give 
some idea of the plan pursued by parties in Brazil, to 
equip and man Brazilian slave- vessels. 

The inclosed letter, above referred to, stated that 
American seamen were often enticed on board of 
slavers, without knowing their real character until it 
was too late to leave them. And that the owner of a 
lodging-house in Rio, where two or three sailors were 
boarding, offered, on one occasion, to get them a ship 
bound to the United States, which, at the time, was 
loading at Yittoria — a harbor to the northward of 
Cape Frio. They agreed to ship ; and, after receiving 
their advance, proceeded in a small steamer outside 
the harbor of Rio, when they were transferred to a 
schooner, in company with a number of Brazilians ; 
and, in a few days, reached Yittoria. On joining the 
slaver, which was named " Pilot," they discovered her 
true character, but were not allowed to go on shore ; 
and were promised, on their arrival in Africa, a good 
reward, with the option of returning in the vessel, or 
having their passage found in another. It was af- 
firmed that these men had never seen the American 
consu] ; and the crew-list, register and other papers, 
were forgeries. Also that the owner of the Pilot 



AMERICAN AND BRAZILIAN SLAVERS. 269 

was a Brazilian, and esteemed one of the ricliest men 
in the empire. Two slave-steamers were owned by 
him ; and it was said that he had boasted that not a 
week passed that he had not had a full cargo of slaves 
landed on the coast. He then owned seven or eight 
vessels, sailing mider the American flag, which he had 
bonght in Rio, and whose papers were all forgeries. 
One of the vessels belonging to the rich Brazil mer- 
chant, and sailing alternately nnder the American and 
Brazilian flag, had made nine clear voyages ; and on 
the last voyage, before she was captured, the American 
captain had landed at Ambriz, with part of his crew, 
his flag and papers ; and then the vessel shipped one 
thousand slaves. 

An American was the consignee of these vessels, bear- 
ing his country's flag. He obtained for them masters, 
crews, flag and papers ; and received for his agency a 
percentage on all slaves landed from the vessels. 

During the month when the Pilot was equipped 
at Yittoria, two other slavers were also fitting out for 
the slave-trade, under the American flag ; viz., the 
" Casco" and the " Snow." The former was afterwards 
captured, with four hundred and flfty slaves, by the 
English steamer " Pluto ;" the other entered the harbor 
of Pio under Brazilian colors, having landed her slaves 
outside. 

The Pilot made the African coast near Benguela ; 



270 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

and afterwards anchored at Baliia Longa, where, there 
being no slaves ready for shipment — as eight hundred 
had been, a few days previously, shipped in a two-top- 
sail schooner — she was ordered, by the slave-agents, to 
remain at sea for ten days. On making the land at 
the expiration of that time, the English steamers Fire 
Fly, Star, and Pinto, being at Ambriz, she was again 
ordered to sea for ten days ; when, on anchoring 
at the latter place, she was captnred by the English 
steamer Cyclops. She was to have shipped twelve 
hundred slaves, who had been for some time ready for 
a slave-steamer — then so strictly blockaded at Santos 
by the English steamer Hydra, as to prevent her leav- 
ing port. 

Such was the information contained in this letter. 

During this correspondence with the British officers, 
the Perry was cruising off Ambriz, in company with 
a part of the British squadron, for the purpose of board- 
ing and searching all American vessels suspected of 
being engaged in the slave-ti^ade, on that part of the 
coast. 

After cruising for several days, the commander-in- 
chief of the British naval forces, bearing his pendant 
at the main of the steam-frigate Centaur, appeared in 
the offing. The Perry hauled up her courses, and 
saluted him with thirteen guns, which were duly re- 
turned. An official call was made on the commodore. 



AREIVAL OF ANOTHER CRUISER. 2T1 

and an arrangement settled for the joint crnising of the 
Perry and steamer Cyclops. 

This crnising had continned for a week or more, when 
the arrival of the U. S. sloop-of-war John Adams con- 
stituted her commander the senior American officer 
south of the equator ; he, accordingly, while in com- 
pany, relieved the Perry of the correspondence with 
the British officers. 

A short time after the arrival of the Adams, it be- 
came necessary for her to visit Loanda, when the Perry 
was again left with the Cyclops, cruising off Ambriz. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

AMERICAK BRIGANTiNE LOUlSA BIIATON SUSPECTED — CORRES- 
PONDENCE WITH THE COMMANDER OF THE SOUTHERN DIVISION 

OF THE BRITISH SQUADRON BOAT CRUISING CURRENTS 

ROLLERS ON THE COAST TRADE -WINDS CLIMATE PRINCe's 

ISLANDS MADAME FEREIRA. 

On tlie ISth of April, tlie American brigantine 
Louisa Beaton, which a few days previously had been 
boarded, examined, and proven to be a legal trader, 
ran out of Ambriz under American colors. One or 
two of the officers who had been on shore, on their re- 
turn in the evening, reported that it was rumored that 
the Louisa Beaton had shipped and escaped with a 
cargo of slaves. 

That vessel had then made a good offing, and was 
out of sight. Acting under the impression of the re- 
port thus conveyed, an armed boat, in charge of the 
second lieutenant and junior passed midshipman, was 
dispatched on each beam, and with the Perry stood out 
to sea, in the hope of overhauling the chase. At day- 
light, being out of sight of the land, and no sail visible, 
the boats were picked up, and the vessel stood in 
towards Ambriz. 



CHASE OF A SUSPECTED VESSEL. 273 

During the succeeding day, on joining company with 
the Cyclops, the second lieutenant was sent with a 
message to her commander, requesting that he might 
remain on board, and that the Cyclops would steam out 
to sea, on a southwest course, with a view of overhaul- 
ing the Louisa Beaton, and ascertaining if there was 
any foundation for this charge against her. 

The proposition was readily complied with ; and after 
running forty miles off the land, and no sail being seen, 
the steamer rejoined the Perry. 

A letter from the commanding officer of the British 
division was received, dated April 15th, containing in- 
formation to the following effect: that he had the 
pleasure of receiving the intelligence, which the com- 
mander of the Perry had kindly sent him by the lieu- 
tenant, informing him that a report had been circulated, 
that the American brigantine Louisa Beaton, which 
vessel was lying at Ambriz, in company with the British 
and American cruisers, on the Yth instant, had shipped 
a cargo of negroes. He had observed the Louisa 
Beaton weigh from Ambriz on the evening of the 12th 
instant, and pass close to the stern of the Perry, with 
her colors flying ; and at sunset she was observed by 
him, close in with the land. He also sighted her next 
morning, and continued to see her until the evening, 
apparently working in-shore to the southward. 

As the wind had been exceedingly light all night, 

12-'^ 



274 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

he thonglit it possible that the steamer might overtake 
her, and accordingly proposed to the lieutenant of the 
Perry to accompany him, and watch the proceedings 
of the vessel, in case they should discover her. The 
lieutenant having acceded to this proposal, he steamed 
to the westward for nearly forty miles, but saw nothing 
of her; and was of opinion, that the report affecting 
the character of the Louisa Beaton was not then correct, 
and that when intelligence next arrived from Loanda, 
she would be found to have reached that place. 

But he believed it very probable that she had been 
disposed of by sale, in consequence of the slave-dealers 
not having been successful, as they had effected the 
embarkation of only two cargoes of negroes that year 
(1850), and therefore all the vessels that could be pro- 
cured, no matter at what expense, v/ould be eagerly 
sought after. But, as he had heard that there was no 
water at Ambriz, he had supposed it possible that 
arrangements were making for the Louisa Beaton's 
cargo to be discharged at Loanda ; whence, after hav- 
ing procured the necessary articles and fitments re- 
quired, she would probably return to Ambriz for the 
negroes. He remarked that this would be no new 
occurrence, as many American vessels had been dis- 
posed of in a similar manner, and escaped with, cargoes 
of Africans, since he had been stationed on the coast. 

Had no American man-of-war been present on the 



CORRESPONDENCE OF THE COMMANDERS. 275 

12th instant, when the Louisa Beaton left Ambriz, he 
should have considered it his duty (from there having 
been observed, whilst in company with her on the Yth 
instant, a large quantity of plank, sufficient for a slave- 
deck, on her upper deck, together with water-casks, 
which would have created suspicion) to have visited 
her, and satisfied himself that her nationality had not 
been changed, by sale^ at Ambriz; not taking it for 
granted, that the flag displayed by any vessel is a 
sufficient evidence of her nationality. 

He added, that as it w^as probable that he might 
not meet the John Adams previous to the Perry's 
leaving the coast for Porto Praya, the commander of 
the Perry would oblige him, by forwarding a copy 
of that letter to his senior officer, for the information of 
the commander-in-chief of the American squadron, as 
it would be his duty to lay it before the British com- 
mander-in-chief, in the sincere hope that some arrange- 
ment would be made by those officers to put a stop 
to that nefarious system on the southwest coast of 
Africa. 

A boat had been dispatched from the Perry to 
Loanda, which found the Louisa Beaton, still offer- 
ing no cause of suspicion, lying in that port. 

On the lYth of April, the commander of the Perry 
informed the British commanding officer that he had 
received and forwarded the above letter, agreeably to 



276 AFRICA AJSD THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tis request ; intimating at tlie same time that lie had 
boarded the Louisa Beaton at sea, several days be- 
fore her arrival, and found her to be a legal American 
trader — a character which she sustained while at an- 
chor with the several men-of-war at Ambriz ; and that 
he had no reason, after an absence of three days, to 
suppose that she could, in the mean time, have fitted 
for a slave cargo ; and therefore did not consider it to 
be his duty again to board her ; that he was happy to 
inform him that the report of the Louisa Beaton's 
having taken slaves at Ambriz, was untrue ; and that 
she was then at St. Paul de Loanda. 

In relation to the British commander " not taking it 
for granted, that the flag displayed by any vessel is a 
sufficient evidence of her nationality," the commander 
of the Perry remarked that the flag which a vessel 
wears is prijnd facie, although it is not conclusive proof 
of nationality. It is a mere emblem, which loses its 
true character when it is worn by those who have no 
right to it. On the other hand, those who lawfully dis- 
play the flag of the United States, will have all the 
protection which it supplies. Therefore, when a foreign 
cruiser boards a vessel under this flag, she will do it 
upon her own responsibility. 

On the 19th of April, the British commander ac- 
knowledged the receipt of the communication of the 
ITth instant, in reply to his of the 15th, in which he 



INCIDENTS IN BOAT-CRUISING. 277 

expressed himself glad to learn that the report of the 
Louisa Beaton's having shipped a cargo of slaves at 
Ambriz, was incorrect ; but as vessels were disposed to 
change their nationality, and escape with slaves, " in so 
very short a period of time as a few hours," he would re- 
spectfully suggest the necessity of keeping a strict watch 
over the movements of the Louisa Beaton, should 
she appear again on that part of the coast. 

Two armed boats were at this time frequently dis- 
patched from the Perry a long distance in chase of 
vessels, when the winds were too light to enable her to 
overhaul them. 

On one occasion, these boats had been in chase of a 
vessel for ten hours, and encountered, a few minutes be- 
fore overhauling her, a violent squall of wind and rain. 
When the squall had passed over, after night-fall, the 
strange vessel was, for a moment, descried within long- 
gun shot of the Perry. A thirty-two pound shot was 
thrown astern of her, and, quite suddenly, the fog 
again enveloped her, and she became invisible. 

On the return of the boats which had succeeded in 
boardiug the chase, the commander regretted to learn 
that the strange vessel was a Portuguese man-of-war. 
In the year following, when falling in with her at Ben- 
guela, he availed himself of an early opportunity to 
apologize for having fired, as this had been done under 
the impression that the vessel was a merchantman ; and 



278 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

for the purpose of bringing her to, in order to ascertain 
her character. 

The John Adams, after a short stay at Loanda, 
again appeared off Ambriz, and resumed her cruising. 
The Perry's provisions had now become nearly ex- 
hausted ; and she was ordered by the John Adams to 
proceed to the north coast with dispatches to the com- 
modore. 

The land along the southern African coast, from lat. 
7° south, extending to Benguela, and even to the Cape 
of Good Hope, is more elevated than the coast to the 
northward towards the equator. Long ranges of high 
bluff may be seen, extending, in some cases, from twenty 
to thirty miles. A short distance to leeward, or north, 
of Ambriz, is a remarkable range of hills, with heavy 
blocks of granite around them, resembling, at a dis- 
tance, a small village. The " granite pillar," which 
shoots up in the air, towering above the surrrounding 
blocks like a church-spii-e, is a good landmark to the 
cruisers off Ambriz. They often find themselves at day- 
light, after beating, during the night, to the southward, 
drifted down abreast of it by the northerly current. 

The natives along this coast, unlike those of northern 
Guinea, who are bold, energetic and effective, compara- 
tively, when muscular force is required, are marked 
by very opposite traits ; softness, pliancy and flexibili- 
ty, distinguish their moral and mental character. They 



METEOROLOGY: TRADE- WINDS. 2Y9 

are mostly below the middle stature, living in villages, 
in rude, rnsh-thatclied huts ; subsisting princi23ally upon 
fish, and the plantain, which is the African bread-fruit 
tree. 

These people present some of the lowest forms of 
humanity. 

The temperature of both the air and water within 
southern intertropical Africa, averages, during the 
months of August and September, Y2°, and off Ben- 
guela, on one occasion, early in July, the air tempera- 
ture was as low as 60°, while in the month of Febru- 
ary, the thermometer seldom reaches a higher point 
than 82°. 

It is known that the southeast trade- winds prevail in 
the Atlantic ocean, between the African and American 
continents, south of the equator to the tropic of 
Capricon, and the northeast trade to the southward 
of the tropic of Cancer. It is of com-se generally un- 
derstood, that the sun heats the equatorial regions to 
a higher temperature than is fou.nd anywhere else, 
and that the air over these regions is consequently ex- 
panded and rendered lighter than that which envelops 
the regions at a distance. This causes the whole man- 
tle of air round the earth, for a short distance near the 
equator, to be displaced and thrown upwards (like the 
draft of a chimney), by the cooler and heavier air rush- 
ing in, in steadfast and continuous sti'eams, from the 



280 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

north and south. The earth's revolution carries every 
thing on its surface somewhat against these air-currents 
in their progress, so that they appear to sweep aslant 
along the earth and sea, coming from northeast and 
southeast. In consequence of the greater amount of 
heated land being in the northern hemisphere, its pecu- 
liar wind, or the northeast trade, is narrower; while 
the other, the southeast trade, blowing from the greater 
expanse of the Southern Ocean, is broader. The latter, 
therefore, sometimes extends considerably beyond, or 
north of the equinoctial line. Thus the winds, over all 
the Gulf of Guinea are generally from the south. 

The coast of Africa, both north and south of the 
equator, greatly modifies the force and direction of the 
winds. On the southern coast the wind blows lightly, in 
a sea-breeze from the southwest. But at the distance of 
one hundred miles from the land, it begins gradually 
to veer round, as it connects itself with the S. E. trades. 
A line drawn on the chart, from the southern tropic, in 
5° east to the lat. of 5° south, may be regarded as the 
eastern boundary of the southeast trade-winds. Hence 
a vessel, as in the case of the Perry, on her first pas- 
sage to the southern coast, when in 10° south and 20° 
west, on going about and standing for the African 
coast by the wind, although she at first will not be 
able to head higher than N. E., will gradually come up 
to the eastward as the wind veers to the southward ; 



CLIMATE AJND SEASONS. 281 

until it gradually hauls as far as S. W., and even W. S. 
W. — enabling lier to fetch Benguela in 12° 34' south 
lat., although on going about she headed no higher 
than Prince's Island in 1° 20' north lat. 

On the entire intertropical coast of Africa, it may be 
said that there are but two seasons, the rainy season 
and the dry season. 

On the southern coast, the rainy season commences 
in NoYember, and continues until April, although the 
rains are neither as frequent nor as heavy as on the 
northern coast, where they commence in May and 
continue through the month of IS^ovember. 

The months of March and April are the most un- 
healthy seasons on the southern coast, arising proba- 
bly from the exhalations of the earth, which are not 
dispelled by the light sea-breezes prevailing at this 
period. 

The climate of the south coast, especially from 
6° south towards the Cape of Good Hope, is more 
healthy than on the north coast. As evidence of this, 
Europeans are found in comparatively great numbers 
in Loanda and Benguela, in the enjoyment of tolerable 
health. 

There is a northerly current running along the south- 
ern coast of Africa, at the average rate of one mile per 
hour, until it is met by the Congo River, in 6° south ; 
where the impetuous stream of that great river breaks 



282 AFRICA AI^TD THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

up this northerly current and fonus one, of two miles 
per hour, in the direction of ]^. W., until it meets with 
the equatorial current in 2° or 3° south. The Congo 
will be more particularly noticed in speaking of the 
third southern cruise of the Perry. 

The rollers on the coast are very heavy. And the 
breaking of the tremendous surf along the shore can 
often be heard at night, the distance of twenty miles 
from the land, reminding one of the sound of Niagara, 
in the vicinity of that mighty cataract. 

But having in this part of the work (compilation of 
the correspondence) to treat more of ships, sailors and 
letters, than of the climate, the shore, and its inhabit- 
ants, it is time to recm- to the Perry, — now squared 
away before the wind, with studding-sails set below 
and aloft, bound to Porto Praya, via Prince's Island 
and Monrovia, in search of the commander-in-chief of 
the squadron. 

There are so many graphic descriptions before the 
public, in sea novels and naval journals, of life in a 
man-of-war, that it may well suffice here to remark — 
that a small vessel, uncomfortable quarters, salt pro- 
visions, myriads of cockroaches, an occasional tor- 
nado and deluge of rain, were ills that naval life duly 
encountered during the five days' passage to Prince's 
Island. 

On the 27tli of April the Perry arrived, and to the 



PRmCE'S ISLAND. 283 

great gratification of officers and men, the broad pen- 
dant of tlie commodore was descried at the main of 
the IJ. S. sloop-of-war " Portsmouth." 

The U. S. brig " Bainbridge" was also at anchor in 
West Bay. 

Prince's Island is ten miles in length from north to 
sonth, and five miles in breadth. In places, it is con- 
siderably elevated, presenting, in its grotesque shafts 
and projecting figures curiously formed, an exceedingly 
picturesque appearance. 

The natives are mostly black, and slaves ; although 
a few colored people are seen of a mixed race — Portu- 
guese and African. 

The island is well wooded, and the soil rich ; and if 
cultivated properly, would yield abundantly. Farina 
is extensively manufactured. 

Madame Fereira, a Portuguese lady, long resident 
on the island, has no little repute for her hospitality 
to African cruisers. Her taste in living here as she 
does, is no more singular than that of the late clever, 
eccentric and distinguished Lady Hester Stanhope, 
who established herself near Sidon. Madame Fereira, 
it is said, on a late visit to Europe, with abundant 
means for enjoyment in a civilized state of society, was 
ill at ease until the time arrived for her return to this 
barbarian isle. She is ever ready, at a reasonable 
price, to furnish the cruisers with wood, fresh provis- 



284 4FRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ions and vegetables ; and is never indisposed to take a 
hand at wliist, or entertain foreigners in any other way, 
agreeable to their fancy. 

Yessels frequently tonch at Prince's Island for the 
purpose of obtaining fresh water, which, running down 
from the mountains in copious streams, is of a far bet- 
ter quality than can be procured on the coast. 

On the arrival of the Perry, in a letter dated the 
27th of April, the commander announced to the com- 
modore the fulfilment of his instructions. The cruise 
had been extended to one hundred and seven days, of 
which eighty had been spent at sea, and the remainder 
at anchor, at different points of the coast. 

The reply of the commodore contained his fall ap- 
probation of the course pursued, stating in addition, that 
it was a matter of great importance to keep one of the 
squadron upon the southern coast; and not having 
provisions sufficient to enable him to proceed thither, 
and as the John Adams, having nearly expended her 
stock, would soon be compelled to return to Porto 
Pray a, he therefore directed the commander of the 
Perry to make requisitions wpon the flag-ship for as 
full a supply of provisions as could conveniently be 
stowed, and prepare again for immediate service on the 
southern coast. 



CHAPTEK XXYII. 

RETURN TO THE SOUTHERN COAST CAPTURE OF THE AMERICAN 

SLAVE-SHIP "MARTHa" CLAIM TO BRAZILIAN NATIONALITY 

LETTERS FOUND ON BOARD ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE SLAVE- 
TRADE LOANDA FRENCH, ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE 

CRUISERS CONGO RIVER BOARDING FOREIGN MERCHANT 

VESSELS CAPTURE OF THE '' VOLUSIA" BY A BRITISH CRUISER 

SHE CLAIMS AMERICAN NATIONALITY — THE MEETING OF THE 

COMMODORES AT LOANDA DISCUSSIONS IN RELATION TO IN- 
TERFERENCE "WITH VESSELS OSTENSIBLY AMERICAN SEIZURE 

OF THE AMERICAN BRIGANTINE " CHATSWORTh"— -CLAIMS BY 
THE MASTER OF THE " VOLUSIA." 

On the 6th of May, orders were given to tlie com- 
mander of the Perry, to proceed tlience, with all prac- 
ticable dispatch, to the southern coast; and to com- 
municate with the commander of the John Adams as 
soon as possible. In case that vessel should have left 
the coast before the arrival of the Perry, her com- 
mander would proceed to cruise under former orders, 
and the instructions of the government. 

It appeared to the commodore, in the correspondence 
had with some of the British officers, that in certain 
cases where they had boarded vessels under the flag of 



286 AFmCA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

the United States, not liaving the right of search, 
threats had "been used of detaining and sending them to 
the United States sqnadron. This he remarked was 
improper, and mnst not be admitted, or any under- 
standing had with them authorizing such acts ; adding, 
in substance, that if they chose to detain suspicious 
vessels, they must do it upon their own responsibility, 
without our assent or connivance. Refusing to the 
British government the right of search, our government 
has commanded us to prevent vessels and citizens of 
the United States from engaging in the slave-trade. 
These duties we must j^erform to the best of our ability, 
and we have no right to ask or receive the aid of a 
foreign power. " It is desii*able to cultivate and pre- 
serve the good understanding which now exists be- 
tween the two services ; and should any differences 
arise, care must be taken that the discussions are tem- 
perate and respectful. You have full authority to act 
in concert with the British forces within the scope of 
our orders and duty." 

On the same day, the Perry again sailed for the 
south coast, and after boarding several vessels, which 
proved to be legal traders, a slaver was captm'ed, and 
made the subject of a communication, dated June 7th, 
1850. 

In this it was stated to the commodore, that the 
Perry, agreeably to his orders, had made the best of 



k 



'■:r 



^<^ 



m 7 




\. A 



.Jk. 



CAPTURE OF THE SHIP "MARTHA." 28 



^r 



her way for Ambriz, and arrived off that place on the 
5th instant. It was there reported that the John Adams 
was probably at Loanda; and accordingly a course 
was shaped for that port. But on the 6th instant, at 
three o'clock in the afternoon, a large ship with two 
tiers of painted ports was made to windward, standing 
in for the land towards Ambriz. At four o'clock the 
chase was overhauled, having the name "Martha, 
'New York," registered on her stern. The Perry had 
no colors flying. The ship, when in range of the guns, 
hoisted the American ensign, shortened sail, and backed 
her main-topsail. The first lieutenant, Mr. Rush, was 
sent to board her. As he was rounding her stern, the 
people on board observed, by the uniform of the board- 
ing-officer, that the vessel was an American cruiser. 
The ship then hauled down, the American, and hoisted 
Brazilian colors. The officer went on board, and asked 
for papers and other proofs of nationality. The cap- 
tain denied having papers, log, or any thing else. At 
this time something was thrown overboard, when an- 
other boat was sent from the Perry, and picked up the 
writing-desk of the captain, containing sundry j^apers 
and letters, identifying the captain as an American 
citizen ; also indicating the owner of three-fifths of the 
vessel to be an American merchant, resident in Rio de 
Janeiro. After obtaining satisfactory proof that the 
ship Martha was a slaver, she was seized as a prize. 



290 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

they would be similarly served, in case of the slightest 
evidence of insiihordination. The accounts of the 
prize crew were transferred, the vessel provisioned, 
and in twenty-four hours after her capture, the vessels 
exchanged three cheers, and the Martha bore away 
for New York. 

She was condemned in the U. S. District Court. The 
captain was admitted to bail for the sum of five thou- 
sand dollars, which was afterwards reduced to three 
thousand : he then escaped justice by its forfeiture. 
The American mate was sentenced to the Penitentiary 
for the term of two years; and the foreigners, who 
had been sent to the United States on account of the 
moral effect, being regarded as beyond our jurisdiction, 
were discharged. 

The writing-desk thrown overboard from the Martha, 
soon after she was boarded, contained sundry papers, 
making curious revelations of the agency of some 
American citizens engaged in the slave-trade. These 
papers implicated a number of persons, who are little 
suspected of ever having participated in such a diaboli- 
cal traffic. A citizen of 'New York, then on the Afri- 
can coast, in a letter to the captain of the Martha, says : 
" The French barque will be here in a few days, and, as 
yet, the agent has no instructions as to her taking 
ebony [negroes, slaves]. . . . From the Eio papers which 
I have seen, I infer that business is pretty brisk at that 



LETTERS FOUND IN A SLAVER. 291 

place It is thought here that the brig Susan would 

bring a good price, as she had water on board. . . . C, 
an American merchant, has sold the Flood, and she 
was put under Brazilian colors, and gone around the 
Cape. The name of the brigantine in which B. came 
passenger was the Sotind ; she was, as we are told, 
formerly the United States brig Boxer." Other letters 
found with this, stated : " The barque Ann Hichardson, 
and brig Susan, were both sent home by a United 
States cruiser. The Independence cleared for Paraguay ; 
several of the American vessels were cleared, and had 
sailed for Montevideo, &c., in ballast, and as I suppose 
bound niggerly ; but where in hell they are is the big 
business of the matter. The sailors, as yet, have not 
been near me. I shall give myself no trouble about 
them. I have seen them at a distance. I am told that 
they are all well, but they look like death itself. Y. 
Z. tells me they have wished a hundred times in his 
presence, that they had gone in the ship ; for my part, 
I wish they were in hell, Texas, or some other nice 
place. B. only came down here to ' take in,' but was 
driven off by one of the English cruisers ; he and his 
nigger crew were under deck, out of sight, when 
visited by the cruiser."'^ 

* The following letter from Viscount Palmerston to Sir H. L. Bulwer, 
then British Minister at Washington, appears in the Parliamentary 
Papers of 1851. LVI. Part L 



292 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

After parting company with tlie Martha, the Perry 
proceeded to Loanda, and found English, French and 
Portnguese men-of-war in port. The John Adams, 
having exhausted her provisions, had sailed for the 
north coast, after having had the good fortune to capture 
a sla/oer. The British commissioner called aboard, and 
offered his congratulations on the capture of the Martha, 
remarking that she was the largest slaver that had been 
on the coast for many years ; and the effect of sending 
all hands found in her to the United States, would prove 
a severe blow to the iniquitous traffic. The British 
cruisers, after the captm^e of a vessel, were in the prac- 
tice of landing the slave-crews, except when they are 
British subjects, at some point on the coast. This is 
believed to be required by the governments with which 
Great Britain has formed treaties. 

At the expiration of a few days, the Perry pro- 
ceeded on a cruise down the coast, towards the Congo 



"Foreign Office, November 18, 1850. 

" Sir, — I herewith transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a 
dispatch from the commodore in command of H. M. squadron on the 
west coast of Africa, respecting the circumstances under which the ship 
Martha was captured, on the 6th of June (1850) last, fully equipped 
for the slave-trade, by the U. S. brig-of-war Perry, and sent to the 
United States for trial. 

" I have to instruct you to furnish me with a full report of the pro- 
ceedings which may take place in this case before the courts of law in 
the United States, 

" Palmerston." 



BOARDING MERCHANT-VESSELS. 293 

River, encountering snccessively the Britisli steamers 
Cyclops, Rattler, and Pinto. All vessels seen were 
boarded, and proved to be legal traders. Several 
days were spent between Ambriz and the Congo ; and, 
learning from tlie Pinto — stationed off tbe month of 
the Congo River — that no vessels had, for a long time, 
appeared in that quarter, an idea, previously enter- 
tained, of proceeding up the river, was abandoned. 
The Perry was then worked up the coast towards 
Benguela. 

Among the many incidents occmTing : — On one oc- 
casion, at three o'clock in the morning, when the char- 
acter of the vessels could not be discerned, a sail 
suddenly a23peared, when, as usual on making a vessel 
at night, the battery was ordered to be cleared away, 
and the men sent to the guns. The stranger fired a 
musket, which was instantly returned. Subsequent ex- 
planations between the commanders of the cruisers 
were given, that the first fire was made without the 
knowledge of the character of the vessel ; and the latter 
was made to repel the former, and to show the charac- 
ter of the vessel. 

On boarding traders, the masters, in one or two in- 
stances, when sailing under a foreign flag, had requested 
the boarding-ofiicer to search, and, after ascertaining 
her real character, to endorse the register. This elicited 
the following order to the boarding-officer : 



294 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

" If a vessel hoists the American flag ; is of American 
bnild ; has her name and place of ownership in the Uni- 
ted States registered on her stern ; or if she has but part 
of these indications of American nationality, yon will, 
on boarding, ask for her papers, which papers yon will 
examine and retain, if she excites suspicion of being a 
slaver, until you have searched sufficiently to satisfy 
yourself of her real character. Should the vessel be 
American, and doubts exist of her real character, you 
will bring her to this vessel ; or, if it can be done more 
expeditiously, you will dispatch one of yom- boats ; 
communicating such information as will enable the 
commander to give specific directions, or in person to 
visit the suspected vessel. 

" If the strange vessel be a foreigner, you will, on 
ascertaining the fact, leave her; declining, even at 
the request of the captain, to search the vessel, or to 
endorse her character, — as it must always be borne in 
mind, that our government does not permit the deten- 
tion and search of American vessels by foreign cruis- 
ers ; and, consequently, is scrupulous in observing to- 
wards the vessels of other nations, the same line of con- 
duct which she exacts from foreign cruisers towards 
her own vessels." 

After cruising several days oif the southern point 
designated in her orders, the Perry ran into Ben- 
guela. Spending a day in that place, she proceeded 



SEIZURE OF THE " VOLUSIA." 295 

down the coast to the northward, occasionally falling 
in with British cruisers and legal traders. On meeting 
the Cyclops, the British commanding officer, in a let- 
ter, dated the 16th of July, stated to the commander 
of the Perry, that he " hastened to transmit, for his 
information, the following extract from a report just 
received from the commander of Her Britannic Majes- 
ty's steam-sloop ' Rattler,' with copies of two other 
documents, transmitted by the same officer ; and trusted 
that the same would be deemed satisfactory, as far as 
American interests were concerned." 

The extract gave the information, that on the 2d 
of July, Her Majesty's steam-sloop Rattler captured 
the Brazilian brigantine "Yolusia," of one hundred 
and ninety tons, a crew of seven men, and fully equipped 
for the slave-trade, with false papers, and sailing under 
the American flag ; that the crew had been landed at 
Kabenda, and that the vessel had been sent to St. He- 
lena for adjudication ; and that he also inclosed cer- 
tified declarations from the master, suj)ercargo and 
chief mate, stating the vessel to be bona fide Brazilian 
property ; that they had no protest to offer, and that 
themselves and crew landed at Kabenda of their own 
free will and consent. 

On the following day, the commander of the Per- 
ry, in reply to the above communication, stated that, 
as the brigantine in question had first displayed Ameri- 



296 APHIOA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

can colors, lie wished all information which could he 
famished him in relation to the character of the papers 
found on board ; the reason for supposing them to be 
false, and the disposition made of them. Also, if there 
was a person on board, apparently an American, rep- 
resenting himself, in the first instance, as the captain ; 
and if the vessel was declared to be Brazilian on first 
being boarded, or not until after her capture had been 
decided upon, and announced to the parties in charge. 

In reply to this letter, on the 23d of July, the com- 
manding officer of the British division stated that he 
would make known its purport to the commander who 
had captured the Yolusia, and call upon that officer 
to answer the questions contained in the communica- 
tion of the lYth instant, and hoped to transmit his 
reply prior to the Perry's departure for the north 
coast. 

After cruising for several days in company with the 
English men-of-war, the vessel proceeded to Loanda, 
for the purpose of meeting the commodore. Arriving 
at that place, and leaving Ambriz without any guar- 
dianship for the morals of American traders, an order 
was transmitted to the acting first-lieutenant, to pro- 
ceed with the launch on a cruise off Ambriz ; and in 
boarding, searching, and in case of detaining suspected 
vessels, to be governed by the instructions therewith 
furnished him. 



REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS. 297 

On the 5th of August, the British commissioner 
brought off intelligence that the American commodore 
was signalled off the harbor. The British commodore 
was at this date, also, to have rendezvoused at Loanda, 
that the subject-matter of correspondence between the 
officers of the two services, might be laid before their 
respective commanders-in-chief. 

On the arrival of the American commodore, the 
Perry was reported, in a communication dated August 
the 5th, inclosing letters and papers, giving detailed in- 
formation of occurrences since leaving Prince's Island, 
under orders of the 6th of May ; also sundry documents 
from the commander of the British southern division, 
in relation to the capture of the slave-equipped brigan- 
tine Yolusia ; adding, that this case being similar to a 
number already the subjects of correspondence, he had 
requested further information, which the British com- 
mander of the division would probably communicate in 
a few days. 

The letter to the commodore also stated, that our 
commercial intercourse with the provincial govern- 
ment of Portugal, and the natives of the coast, had 
been uninterrupted. The question arising in regard to 
the ti-eaty with Portugal, whether a vessel by touching 
and discharging part of the cargo at a native port, is 
still exempt from payment of one-third of the duties on 
the remaining portion of the cargo, as guaranteed by 

13* 



298 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

treaty, wlien coming direct from tlie United States, liad 
been submitted to our government. 

On the 15tli of August the Cyclops arrived at Loanda, 
with the commander of the British southern division on 
board, who, in a letter dated the 12th of August, 
stated, that agreeably to the promise made on the 23d 
ultimo, of furnishing the details from the commander 
who had captured the Yolusia, he now furnished the 
particulars of that capture, which he trusted would 
prove satisfactory. He also gave information that the 
British commander-in-chief was then on the south 
coast, to whom all farther reference must be made for 
additional infomiation, in case it should be required. The 
reply from the officer who had captured the Yolusia 
stated, that he had boarded her on the 2d of July off 
the Congo River. She had the American ensign fly- 
ing, and on the production of documents, purporting to 
be her papers, he at once discovered the register to be 
false : it was written on foolscap paper, with the original 
signature erased ; her other papers were likewise forge- 
ries. He therefore immediately detained her. They 
had been presented to him by the ostensible master, 
apparently an American, but calling himself a Brazil- 
ian, and claiming the protection of that empire. The 
register and muster-roll were destroyed by the master ; 
the remainder of the records were sent in her to St. 
Plelena, for adjudication. The British commander 



MEETING OF THE COMMODORES. 299 

further stated, that on discovering the Volusia's papers 
to be false, her master immediately hauled down the 
ensign, and called from below the remainder of the 
crew, twelve in nnmber, all Brazilians. 

In a letter dated the 15th of August, the above com- 
munications were acknowledged, and the British com- 
mander infonxied that the American commander-in- 
chief was also on the south coast : that all official 
documents must be submitted to him, and that the re- 
' ply of the 12th instant, with its inclosure, had been 
forwarded accordingly. 

The British commodore soon amved at Loanda, and 
after an exchange of salutes, an interview of three 
hours between the two commodores took place. The 
captm^es of the l^avarre, Yolusia, and other vessels, 
mth cases of interference with vessels claiming Ameri- 
can nationality, were fully and freely discussed. The 
British commodore claimed that the vessels in ques- 
tion, were wholly, or in part Brazilian ; adding, that 
had they been known clearly as American, no British 
officer would have presumed to capture, or interfere 
with them. The American commodore argued from 
documents and other testimony, that l)ondfide Ameri- 
can vessels had been interfered with, and whether en- 
gaged in legal or illegal trade, they were in no sense 
amenable to British cruisers ; the United States had 
made them responsible to the American government 



300 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG, 

alone — subject to search and capture "by American cruis- 
ers, on good grounds of suspicion and evidence of be- 
ing engaged in the slave-trade ; which trade the United 
States had declared to be piracy in a municipal sense — 
this offence not being piracy by the laws of nations : 
adding, in case of slavers, " we choose to punish our own 
rascals in our own way." Several discussions, at which 
the commander of the Perry was present, subsequently 
took place, without any definite results, or at least while 
that vessel remained at Loanda. These discussions 
were afterwards continued. In the commodores, both 
nations were represented by men of ability, capable of 
appreciating, expressing and enforcing the views of 
their respective governments. 

Every person interested in upholding the rights of 
humanity, or concerned in the progress of Africa, will 
sympathize with the captm-e and deliverance of a 
w]*etched cargo of African slaves from the grasp of a 
slaver, irrespective of his nationality. But it is contraiy 
to national honor and national interests, that the right 
o1 captm-e should be entrusted to the hands of any for- 
eign authority. In a commercial point of view, if this 
were granted, legal traders would be molested, and 
American commerce sufier materially from a power 
which keeps afloat a force of armed vessels, more than 
four times the number of the commissioned men-of-war 
of the United States. The deck of an American vessel 



THE '^CHATSWORTH" SEIZED. 301 

under its flag, is the territory of the United States, and 
no other authority but that of the United States must 
ever be allowed to exercise jurisdiction over it. Hence 
is apparent the importance of a well-appointed United 
States squadron on the west coast of Africa. 

On the 18th of August, the captain of an English 
cruiser entered the harbor with his boat, leaving the 
vessel outside, bringing the information that a suspected 
American trader was at Ambriz. The captain stated 
that he had boarded her, supposing she might be a 
Brazilian, but on ascertaining her nationality, had left 
her, and proceeded to Loanda, for the purpose of com- 
municating what had transpired. 

On receiving this information, the commodore 
ordered the Perry to proceed to Ambriz and search 
the vessel, and in case she was suspected of being en- 
gaged in the slave-trade, to bring her to Loanda. In 
the mean time a lieutenant who was about leaving the 
squadron as bearer of dispatches to the Government, 
volunteered his services to take the launch and proceed 
immediately to Ambriz, as the Perry had sails to bend, 
and make other preparations previous to leaving. The 
launch was dispatched, and in five hours afterwards the 
Perry sailed. Arriving on the following morning 
within twelve miles of Ambriz, the commander, accom- 
panied by the purser and the surgeon, who volunteered 
their services, pulled for the suspected vessel, which 



302 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

proved to be tlie American brigantine '' Cbatsworth," of 
Baltimore. The lientenant, with his laimch's crew, 
was on board. He had secured the papers and com- 
menced the search. After taking the dimensions of 
the vessel, which corresponded to those noted in the 
register, examining and comparing the cargo with the 
manifest, scrutinizing the crew list, consular certificate, 
port clearance, and other papers on board, possession 
was taken of the Chatsworth, and the boarding-officer 
directed to proceed with her, in company with the 
Perry, to Loanda. 

Both vessels having arrived, a letter to the following 
purport was addressed to the commodore : " One 
hundred bags of farina, a large quantity of plank, suffi- 
cient to lay a slave-deck, casks and barrels of spirits, in 
sufficient quantity to contain water for a large slave- 
cargo, jerked beef, and other articles, were found on 
board the Chatsworth. These articles, and others on 
board, corresponded generally with the manifest, which 
paper was drawn up in the Portuguese language. A 
paper with the consular seal, authorizing the shipment 
of the crew, all foreigners, was also made out in the 
Portuguese language. In the register, the vessel was 
called a brig, instead of a brigantine. A letter of in- 
structions from the reputed owner, a citizen of Balti- 
more, directed the American captain to leave the ves- 
sel whenever he should be directed to do so by the 



THE "CHATSWORTH" RELEASED. 30S 

Italian supercargo. These, together with the report 
that the vessel on her last voyage had shipped a cargo 
of slaves, and her now being at the most notorious 
slave-station on the coast, impressed the commander of 
the Peny so strongly with the belief that the Chats- 
worth was a slaver, that he considered it his duty to 
direct the boarding-officer to take her in charge, and 
proceed in company with the Perry to Loanda, that 
the case might undergo a more critical examination by 
the commander-in-chief." 

The commodore, after visiting the Chatsworth in 
person, although morally certain she was a slaver, yet 
as the evidence which would be required in the United 
States Courts essential to her condemnation, was want- 
ing, conceived it to be his duty to order the commander 
of the Perry to surrender the charge of that vessel, and 
return all the papers to her master, and withdraw his 
guard from her. 

The captain of the Yolusia now suddenly made his 
appearance at Loanda, having in his possession the sea- 
letter which the British commander who had captured 
him called a register, written on a sheet of fools- 
cap paper, which from misapprehension he erroneously 
stated was destroyed by the master. This new matter 
was introduced in the discussion between the two com- 
modores. The captain of the Yolusia claimed that his 
vessel was hond fide American, stating that the sea-let- 



304 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ter in his possession was conclusive evidence to that 
effect. 'No other subject than that of the nationality of 
the vessel, while treating npon this matter with an En- 
glish officer, conlcl be introduced. The sea-letter was 
laid before the commanders. This document bore all 
the marks of a genuine paper, except in having the 
word " signed" occurring before the consul's signature, 
and partially erased. This seemed to indicate that it 
had been made out as a copy, and, if genuine, the con- 
sul had afterwards signed it as an original paper. The 
consular seal was impressed, and several other docu- 
ments, duly sealed and properly certified, were at- 
tached, bearing strong evidence that the document was 
genuine. 

The British commodore argued that the erasure of 
the word " signed," even if it did not invalidate the 
document, gave good ground for the suspicion that the 
document was a forgery; and she being engaged in 
the slave-trade, the officer who captured her regarded 
the claim first set forth to American nationality as 
groundless. 

The American commodore could not permit the 
character of the vessel to be assigned as a reason for 
her capture, and confined the discussion to the papers 
constituting the nationality of the vessel. He re- 
garded the consular seal as genuine, and believed 
that, if the paper had been a forgery, care would have 



NATIONALITY OF THE "VOLUSIA." 



305 



been taken to liave had it drawn up without any era- 
sure, or the word " signed." 

The discussion in relation to the Yolusia and the 'Nsi- 
varre, was renewed with the Chief- Justice and Judge 
of the Admiralty Court, soon after the arrival of the 
Perry at the island of St. Helena. 



CHAPTER XXYIII. 

ANOTHER CRUISE CHATSWORTH AGAIN VISIT TO THE QUEEN 

NEAR AMBRIZETTE SEIZURE OF THE AMERICAN BRIGANTINE 

"LOUISA Beaton" by a British cruiser — correspondence 
— proposal of remuneration from the captors — seizure 
of the chatsworth as a slaver italian supercargo 

master of the LOUISA BEATON. 

The commodore, on the 24:th of Angiist, intimated 
that it had been his intention to relieve the Perry from 
the incessant duties which had been imposed upon her, 
but regretted that he conld not then accomplish it with- 
out leaving American interests in that quarter un- 
protected, and that the commander would therefore 
be pleased to prepare for farther service on the 
southern coast, with the assurance of being relieved 
as soon as practicable. 

Orders were issued by the commodore to resume 
cruising upon the southern coast, as before, and to visit 
such localities as might best insure the successful ac- 
complishment of the purposes in view. 

Authority was given to extend the cruise as far as 
the island of St. Helena, and to remain there a suffi- 



BOARDING THE " CHATSWORTH." 307 

cient length of time to refresh the crew ; and, after 
cruising until the twentieth of IToveniber, then to pro- 
ceed to Porto Praya, touching at Monrovia, if it was 
thought proper. 

The orders being largely discretionary, and the 
Chatsworth still in port, and suspected of the intention 
of shipping a cargo of slaves at Ambriz, the Perry 
sailed, the day on which her orders were received, with- 
out giving any intimation as to her cruising-ground. 
When outside of the harbor, the vessel was hauled on 
a wind to the southward, as if bound up the coast, and 
continued beating until out of sight of the vessels in 
the harbor. She w^as then kept away to the northward, 
making a course for Ambriz, in anticipation of the 
Chatsworth's soon sailing for that place. 

The cruising with the English men-of-war was re- 
sumed. A few days after leaving Loanda, when trying 
the sailing qualities of the vessel with a British cruiser, 
a sail was reported, standing down the land towards 
Ambriz. Chase was immediately made, and, on com- 
ing within gun-shot, a gun was fired to bring the vessel 
to. She hoisted American colors, but continued on her 
course. Another gun, throwing a thirty-two pound 
shot across her bows, brought the Chatsworth to. She 
was then boarded, and again searched, without finding 
any additional proof against the vessel's character. 

After remaining a day or two off Ambriz, the Peny 



308 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

proceeded to Ambrizette, a short distance to tiie north- 
ward, leaving one of the ship's boats in charge of an 
oflBcer, with orders to remain sufficiently near the 
Chats worth, and, in case she received water- casks on 
board, or any article required to eqnip a slave- vessel, 
to detain her nntil the return of the Perry. 

When the vessel had reached her destination, the 
commander conceived it to be a good opportunity to 
forward the interests of American commerce, by paying 
a visit of conciliation to the queen of that region. 
Though warned by the British officers that the natives 
were hostile to all persons engaged in suppressing the 
lucrative trade in slaves, he resolved to avail himself 
of the invitation of the resident American factor, and 
proceed to the royal residence. Two other officers of 
the vessel, the agent, and several of the gig's Kroomen, 
accompanied him. On their way, a great number of 
Her Majesty's loyal subjects — dressed chiefly in the 
costume of their own black skins — formed the escort. 
" All hands," however, were not in the native sables 
exclusively, for several, of more aristocratic claims, 
sported a piece of calico print, of glaring colors, over 
one shoulder. The village, when first seen, resembled 
a group of brown haystacks ; the largest of these, as a 
palace, sheltered the royal presence. The court eti- 
quette brought the mob of gentlemen and ladies of the 
escort, with and without costume, down upon their 




I- 

H 
Ui 

CD 



O 

z 

LU 

o 
u 



CO 

C/3 
CE 
UJ 

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en 



PRESENTATION AT COURT. 309 

knees, in expectation of Her Majesty's appearance. A 
little withered old woman then stepped out, having, in 
addition to the native costume, an old red silk cloak, 
drawn tight aromid her throat, and so worn as to make 
her look like a loose umbrella, with two handles. She 
then squatted on the ground. Her prime minister as- 
pired to be higher than African in his costmne, by 
hanging on his long, thin person, an old full-dress 
French navy uniform-coat, dispensing with other ma- 
terial articles of clothing, except a short pair of white 
trowsers. The officers being seated in front, the kneel- 
ing hedge of three or four hundred black woolly heads 
closed behind them, — impregnating the air with their 
own peculiar aroma — their greasy faces upturned in 
humble reverence — hands joined, palm to palm, ready 
to applaud Her Majesty's gracious wisdom when they 
heard it, — the conference began. The interpreter intro- 
duced the officers, and their business, and, in the name 
of the commander, expressed their friendly feelings to- 
wards Her Majesty and her people ; advising her to 
encourage trade with the American merchants in gums, 
copper and the products of the country, instead of 
selling her people as slaves, or conniving at the sale in 
other tribes, for the purpose of procuring goods. This 
speech having the honor of being directed to the royal 
ears, was greeted, according to etiquette, with clap, 
clap, clap, from all the ready hands of all the gentle- 



310 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

men in waiting, wlio were using their kaees as supports 
in Her Majesty's royal presence. The prime minister, 
from the inside of the French coat, then responded — 
that Her Majesty had great reason to complain of the 
conduct of cruisers' boats on the coast, for they were in 
the habit of chasing the fishermen, and firing to bring 
them to, and taking their fish, which were the principal 
support of the j)eople, without making an equivalent 
return. Whereupon, clap, clap, clap, went the hands 
again. Her Majesty was assured, in reply, that such 
had never been, and never would be the case, in regard 
to the boats of American cruisers, and that her com- 
plaints would be made known to those ofiicers who had 
the power and the disposition to remove all such cause 
of grievance. The chorus of clap, clap, clap, again at 
this answer concluded the ceremony. The prime min- 
ister followed the return escort at some distance, and 
took occasion, at parting on the beach, to intimate that 
there were certain other marks of friendly respect com- 
mon at courts, and marking the usages of polished 
nations. He gave no hints about gold snuff-boxes, as 
might be suitable in the barbarian courts of Europe ; 
but intimated that his friends visiting Her Majesty, in 
such instances, thought his humble services worthy of 
two bottles of rum. Compliance with this amiable cus- 
tom was declared to be wholly impracticable, as the 
spirit-room casks of the Perry had been filled only with 



RETURN TO AMBRIZ. 311 

pure (or impure) water, instead of whisky, during the 
cruise. 

In communicating to the government, in a more 
ofBcial form, the object and incidents of the visit to the 
queen near Ambrizette, reference was made to a pow- 
erful king, residing ten miles in the interior of Ambriz, 
and the intention of making him a visit was announced. 
But the seizure of the Louisa Beaton by a British 
cruiser, on her return to the coast, and the impression 
made upon the natives by the capture of the Chats- 
worth as a slaver, not only occupied the intervening 
time before leaving for St. Helena, but rendered inland 
excursions by no means desirable. 

On returning towards Ambriz, soon after making the 
land, the steamer Cyclops, with another British cruiser, 
was observed ; and also the Chatsworth, with an Ameri- 
can brigantine lying near her. A boat from the Cyclops, 
with an English officer, pulled out several miles, while 
the Perry was in the offing, bringing a packet of let- 
ters and papers marked as usual, " On Her Britannic 
Majesty's Service." These papers were accompanied 
by a private note from the British commander of the 
division, expressing great regret at the occurrence, 
which was officially noticed in the accompanying 
papers, and the earnest desire to repair the wrong. 

The official papers were dated September the ninth, 
and contained statements relating to the chasing^ hoa/rd- 



312 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ing and detention of the American brigantine Louisa 
Beaton, on the seventh and eighth instant. 

The particulars of the seizure of the vessel were 
given in a letter from the commander of the English 
cruiser Dolphin, directed to the British commander of 
the division, as follows : "I have the honor to inform 
you, that at daylight on the 7th instant, being about 
seventy miles off the land, a sail was observed on the 
lee bow, whilst Her Majesty's brigantine, under my 
command, was steering to the eastward. I made all 
possible sail in chase : the chase was observed making 
more sail and keeping away. Owing to light winds, I 
was unable to overtake her before Oh. 30m. a. m. 
When close to her and no sail shortened, I directed a 
signal gun to be fired abeam, and hailed the chase to 
shorten sail and heave to. Chase asserted he could 
not, and requested leave to pass to leeward ; saying, if 
we wanted to board him, we had better make haste 
about it, and that ' we might fire and be damned.'^ 

" I directed another gun to be fired across her bows, 
when she immediately shortened sail and hove to : it 
being night, no colors were observed flying on board 
the chase, nor was I aware of her character. 

" I was proceeding myself to board her, when she 
bore up again, with the apparent intention of escaping. 
I was therefore again compelled to hoist the boat up 
and to close her under sail. I reached the chase on the 



INTERFERENCE OF A BRITISH CRUISER. 313 

second attempt, and found her to be tlie American 
brigantine Lonisa Beaton. The master produced an 
American register, with a transfer of masters : this gave 
rise to a doubt of the authenticity of the paper, and on 
requesting further information, the master refused to 
give me any, and declined showing me his port clear- 
ance, crew list, or log-book. 

" The lieutenant who accompanied me identified the 
mate as having been in charge of the slave-brig Lucy 
Ann, captured by Her Majesty's steam-sloop Rattler. 
Under these suspicious circumstances, I considered it 
my duty, as the Louisa Beaton was bound to Ambriz, 
to place an officer and crew on board of her, so as to 
confer with an American officer, or yourself, before 
allowing her, if a legal trader, to proceed on her 
voyage." 

The British commander of the division, in his letter, 
stated, that immediately on the arrival of the vessels, 
he proceeded with the commander of the Dolj)hin and 
the lieutenant of the Eattler to the brigantine Louisa 
Beaton. Her master then presented the register, and 
also the transfer of masters made in Rio, in consequence 
of the death of the former master, but refused to show 
any other documents. 

On examining the register, and having met the ves- 
sel before on that coast, he decided that the Louisa 
Beaton's nationality was perfect ; but that the conduct 

14 



314 A.FRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

pursued by lier master, in witliliolding documents that 
should have been produced on boarding, had led to the 
unfortunate detention of the vessel. 

The British commander further stated, that he in- 
foimed the master of the Louisa Beaton that he would 
immediately order his vessel to be released, and that 
on falling in with the commander of the Perry, all due 
inquiry into the matter for his satisfaction should be 
made ; but that the master positively refused to take 
charge again, stating that he would immediately aban- 
don the vessel on the Dolphin's crew quitting her ; and, 
further, requested that the vessel might be brought 
before the American commander. 

That, as much valuable property might be sacrificed 
should the master carry his threat into execution, he 
proceeded in search of the Perry, that the case might 
be brought under consideration while the Dolphin was 
present ; and on arriving at Ambriz, the cutter of the 
Perry was found in charge of one of her officers. 

On the following morning, as he stated, accompanied 
by the officer in charge of the Perry's cutter, and the 
commander of the Dolphin, he proceeded to the Louisa 
Beaton, and informed her master that the detention of 
his vessel arose from the refusal, on his part, to show 
the proper documents to the boarding-officer, authoriz- 
ing him to navigate the vessel in those seas ; and from 
his mate having been identified by one of the Dolphin's 



BRITISH OFFICERS' LETTERS. 315 

officers, as having been captured in charge of a vessel 
having on board five hundred and forty-seven slaves, 
which attempted to evade search and capture by dis- 
playing the American ensign ; as well as from his own 
suspicious maneuvering in the chase. But as he was 
persuaded that the Louisa Beaton was an American 
vessel, and her papers good, although a most important 
document was wanting, namely, the sea-letter^ usually 
given by consular officers to legal traders after the 
transfer of masters^ he should direct the commander 
of the Dolphin to resign the charge of the Louisa 
Beaton, which was accordingly done ; and, that on 
meeting the commander of the Perry, he would lay the 
case before him ; and was ready, if he demanded it, to 
give any remuneration or satisfaction, on the part of 
the commander of the Dolphin, for the unfortunate 
detention of the Louisa Beaton, whether engaged in 
legal or illegal trade^ that the master might in fairness 
demand, and the conamander of the Perry approve. 

After expressing great regret at the occurrence, the 
British commander stated that he was requested by 
the captain of the Dolphin to assure the commander 
of the Perry, that no disrespect was intended to the 
flag of the United States, or even interference, on his 
part, with traders of America, be tliey legal or illegal ; 
but the stubbornness of the master, and the identifying 
of one of his mates as having been captured in a 



316 AFRICA AND THE AJMERICAN FLAG. 

Brazilian vessel, trying to evade detection by the dis- 
play of tlie American flag, had led to the mistake. 

A postscript to the letter added, "I beg to state 
that the hatches of the Louisa Beaton have not been 
opened, nor the vessel or crew in any way exam- 
ined." 

On the Perry's reaching the anchorage, the Louisa 
Beaton was examined. The affidavit of the master, 
which differs not materially from the statements of the 
British officers, was taken. A letter by the command- 
er of the Perry was then addressed to the British 
officer, stating, that he had in person visited the Louisa 
Beaton, conferred with her master, taken his affidavit, 
examined her papers, and found her to be in all re- 
spects a legal Amei'ican trader. That the sea-letter 
which had been referred to, as being usually given by 
'Consular officers, was only required when the vessel 
changes owners, and not, as in the present case, on the 
appointment of a new master. The paper given by 
the consul authorizing the appointment of the present 
master, was, with the remainder of the vessel's papers, 
strictly in form. 

The commander also stated that he respectfully de- 
clined being a party concerned in any arrangement of 
a pecuniary nature, as satisfaction to the master of the 
Louisa Beaton, for the detention and seizure of his 
vessel, and if such arrangement was made between 



REPLY TO THE BRITISH OFFICERS. 317 

the British officers and the master of the Louisa Bea- 
ton, it would be his duty to give the information to his 
government. 

The commander added, that the government of the 
United States did not acknowledge a right in any other 
nation to visit and detain the vessels of American citi- 
zens engaged in commerce : that whenever a foreign 
cruiser should venture to board a vessel under the flag 
of the United States, she would do it upon her own 
responsibility for all consequences : that if the vessel 
so boarded should prove to be American, the injured 
party would be left to such redress, either in the tri- 
bunals of England, or by an appeal to his own country, 
as the nature of the case might require. 

He also stated that he had carefully considered all 
the points in the several communications which' the 
commander of the British division had sent him, in re- 
lation to the seizure of the Louisa Beaton, and he must 
unqualifiedly pronounce the seizure and detention of 
that vessel wholly unauthorized by the circumstances, 
and contrary both to the letter and the spirit of the 
eighth article of the treaty of Washington ; and that it 
became his duty to make a full report of the case, ac- 
companied with the communications which the British 
commander had forwarded, together with the affidavit 
of the master of the Louisa Beaton, to the government 
of the United States. 



318 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

This letter closed the correspondence.* 

The British commander-in-chief then accompanied 
the commander of the Peny to the Lonisa Beaton, and 
there wholly disavowed the act of the commander of 
the Dolphin, stating, in the name of that officer, that he 
begged pardon of the master, and that he wonld do 
any thing in his power to repair the wrong ; adding, 
" I could say no more, if I had knocked you down." 

The Louisa Beaton was then delivered over to the 
charge of her own master, and the officer of the cutter 
took his station alongside of the Chatsworth. 

On the 11th of September this brigantine was seized 
as a slaver. During the correspondence with the British 
officers in relation to the Louisa Beaton, an order was 
given to the officer of the cutter, to prevent the Chats- 
worth from landing the remaining part of her cargo. 
The master immediately called on board the PeiTy, 
with the complaint, that his vessel had been seized on 
a former occasion, and afterwards released by the com- 
modore, with the endorsement of her nationality on 
the log-book. Since then she had been repeatedly 
searched, and now was prevented from disposing of 
her cargo ; he wished, therefore, that a definite decision 



* This correspondence, with much of that which is to be referred to 
hereafter, with the British officers, has been published more at lengti 
in the "Blue Book," or Parliamentary Papers, of 1851. 



SECOND SEIZURE OF THE '' CHATSWORTH." 319 

miglit be made, A decision was made by the instant 
seizure of the vessel. 

Information from the matter of the Louisa Beaton, 
that the owner of the Chatsworth had in Kio acknowl- 
edged to^ him that the vessel had shipped a cargo of 
slaves on her last voyage, and was then proceeding to 
the coast for a similar j)nrpose — superadded to her sus- 
picious movements, and the importance of breaking up 
this line of ostensible traders, but real slavers, running 
between the coasts of Brazil and Africa — were the 
reasons leading to this decision. 

On announcing the decision to the master of the 
Chatsworth, a prize crew was immediately sent on 
board and took charge of the vessel. The master and 
supercargo then drew up a protest, challenging the act 
as illegal, and claiming the sum of fifteen thousand 
dollars for damages. The supercargo, on presenting 
this protest, remarked that the United States Court 
would certainly release the vessel ; and the procuro 
of the owner, with other parties interested, would then 
look to the captor for the amount of damages awarded. 
The commander replied, that he fully appreciated the 
pecuniary responsibility attached to this proceeding. 

The master of the Louisa Beaton, soon after the suj^er- 
cargo of the Chatsworth had presented the protest, 
went on shore for the purpose of having an interview 
with him, and not coming off at the time specified, 



320 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

apprehensions were entertained tliat tlie slave-factors 
had revenged themselves for his additional informa- 
tion — leading to the seizure of the Chatsworth. At 
nine o'clock in the evening, three boats were manned 
and armed, containing thirty officers and men, — leaving 
the Perry in charge of one of the lieutenants. When 
two of the boats had left the vessel, and the third was 
in readiness to follow, the master of the Lonisa Bea- 
ton made his appearance, stating that his reception on 
shore had been any thing but pacific. Had the appre- 
hensions entertained proved correct, it was the inten- 
tion to have landed and taken possession of the town ; 
and then to have marched out to the barracoons, liber- 
ated the slaves, and made, at least for the time being, 
" free soil" of that section of country. 

In a letter to the commodore, dated September 14:th, 
information was given to the following purport : 

" Inclosed are affidavits, with other papers and letters, 
in relation to the seizure of the American brigantine 
Chatsworth. This has been an exceedingly complica- 
ted case, as relating to a slaver with two sets of papers, 
passing alternately under different nationalities, eluding 
detection from papers being in form, and trading with 
an assorted cargo. 

"The Chatsworth has been twice boarded and 
searched by the commander, and on leaving for a short 
cruise off Ambrizette, a boat was dispatched with or- 



INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH THE SEIZURE. 321 

ders to watcli her movements during tlie absence of the 
Periy. On returning from Ambrizette, additional evi- 
dence of her being a slaver was procured. Since then 
the affidavits of the master of the Chatsworth and the 
mate of the Louisa Beaton have been obtained, leading 
to further developments, until the guilt of the vessel, as 
will be seen by* the accompanying papers, is placed be- 
yond all question." 

Tlie Italian supercargo, having landed most of the 
cargo, and his business being in a state requiring his 
presence, was permitted to go on shore, with the assurance 
that he would return when a signal was made. He 
afterwards came within hail of the Chatsworth, and 
finding that such strong proofs against the vessel were 
obtained, he declined going on board, acknowledging 
to the master of the Louisa Beaton that he had brought 
over Brazilian papers. 

The crew of the Chatsworth being foreigners, and 
not wishing to be sent to the United States, were land- 
ed at Ambriz, where it was reported that the barra- 
coons contained four thousand slaves, ready for ship- 
ment ; and where, it was said, the capture of the Chats- 
worth, as far as the American flag was concerned, 
would give a severe and an unexpected blow to the 
slave-trade. 

After several unsuccessful attempts to induce the 
supercargo of the Chatsworth to come ofl^ to that vessel, 

14^ 



322 AFRICA AND THE AIVIERICAN FLAG. 

a note in French was received from him, stating that 
he was " an Italian, and as snch conld not be owner of 
the American brig Chatsworth, which had been seized, 
it was true, but unjustly, and against the laws of all 
civilized nations. That the owner of the said brig 
would know how to defend his property, and in case 
the judgment should not prove favorable, the one who 
had been the cause of it would always bear the remorse 
of having ruined his countryman." 

After making the necessary preliminary arrange- 
ments, the master, with a midshipman and ten men, 
was placed in charge of the Chatsworth ; and on the 
14th of September, the following order was sent to the 
commanding officer of the prize : " You will proceed 
to Baltimore, and there report yourself to the com- 
mander of the naval station, and to the Secretary of 
the Navy. You will be prepared, on your arrival, to 
deliver up the vessel to the United States marshal, the 
papers to the judge of the United States District Court, 
and be ready to act in the case of the Chatsworth as 
your orders and- circumstances may require. 

" It is advisable that you should stand as far to the 
westward, at least, as the longitude of St. Helena, and 
when in the calm latitudes make a direct north course, 
shaping the course for your destined port in a higher 
latitude, where the winds are more reliable." 

On the following morning the three vessels stood out 



THE CHATSWORTH CONDEMNED. 323 

to sea — the Perry and Louisa Beaton bound to Loanda, 
and the Chatsworth bearing away for the United States. 
The crew had now become much reduced in numbers, 
and of the two lieutenants, master, and fom^ passed 
midshipmen, originally ordered to the vessel, there re- 
mained but two passed midshipmen, acting lieutenants 
on board. 

After a proti'acted trial, the Chatsworth was at 
length condemned as a slaver, in the U. S. District 
Court of Maryland. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 

PROHIBITION OF VISITS TO VESSELS AT LOANDA CORRESPOND- 
ENCE RESTRICTIONS REMOVED ST. HELENA APPEARANCE 

OF THE ISLAND RECEPTION CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE 

CHIEF-JUSTICE DEPARTURE. 

Soon after arriving at Loanda, it was ascertained 
that the masters of merchant-traders were forbidden to 
visit one another on board their respective vessels, with- 
out express permission from the authorities. This reg- 
ulation was even extended to men-of-war officers in 
their visit to merchant vessels of their own nation. An 
application was made to the authorities, remonstrating 
against this regulation being applied to the United 
States officers ; and assurances were given which led to 
the conclusion that the regulation had been rescinded. 

Soon afterwards a letter to the collector, dated the 
lYth of September, stated that the commander of the 
Perry, in company with the purser, had that evening 
pulled alongside of the Louisa Beaton, and much to 
his surprise, especially after the assm-ance of the col- 
lector that no objection would in fixture be raised against 
the United States naval officers visiting the merchant 



PORT REGULATIONS AT LOANDA. 325 

vessels of their own nation, the custom-house officers in- 
formed him that he could not be admitted on board : 
they went on board, however, but did not go below, 
not wishing to involve the vessel in difficulty. 

The report of this circumstance was accompanied 
with the remark, that it was the first time that an objec- 
tion had been raised to the commander's visiting a 
merchant vessel belonging to his own nation in a for- 
eign port ; and this had been done after the assurance 
had been given, that in future no obstacles should be 
in the way of American officers visiting American 
ships in Loanda. 

In reply to this letter, the collector stated that he had 
shown, on a former occasion, that his department could 
give no right to officers of men-of-war to visit merchant 
vessels of their own nation when in port, under the pro- 
tection of the Portuguese flag and nation. But in view 
of the friendly relations existing between Portugal and 
the United States, and being impressed with the belief 
that these visits would be made in a social, friendly 
character, rather than with indifference and disrespect 
to the authorities of that province, he would forward, 
and virtually had forwarded already, the orders, that 
in all cases, when American men-of-war are at anchor, 
no obstacle should be thrown in the way of their officers 
boarding American vessels. 

He further stated, that the objections of the guards 



326 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

to the commander boarding the Louisa Beaton, was the 
result of their ignorance of his orders, permitting visits 
from American vessels of war ; but concluded that the 
opposition encountered could not have been great, as 
the commander himself had confessed that he had really 
boarded the said vessel. 

On the 19th of September, the Perry sailed for the 
island of St. Helena. Soon after leaving port, a vessel 
was seen dead to windward, hull and courses down. 
After a somewhat exciting chase of forty-two hours, 
the stranger was overhauled, and proved to be a Por- 
tuguese regular trader between the Brazil and the 
African coast. 

Several days before reaching St. Helena, the trades 
had so greatly freshened, together with thick, squally 
weather, that double-reefed topsails, with single-reefed 
courses, were all the sail the vessel could bear. 

On the morning of the 11th of October, a glimpse of 
the island was caught for a few minutes. Two misty 
spires of rock seemed to rise up in the horizon — ^notched 
off from a ridge extended between them — ^the centre 
being Diana's peak, twenty-seven hundred feet in 
height. The vessel was soon again enveloped in thick 
squalls of rain, but the bearings of the island had been 
secured, and a course made for the point to be doubled. 
After running the estimated distance to the land, the 
fog again lifted, presenting the formidable island of St. 




' ^H-^-«5 




z 

U 

_1 

X 



z 
o 

h 

cn 
u 



„'fe:^.-r,:- 







I- 



u 

H 
cn 
Q 

O 

oc 



DESCRIPTION OF ST. HELENA. 327 

Helena close aboard, and in a moment all was obscured 
again. But the point had been doubled, and soon 
afterwards the Perry was anchored, unseeing and 
unseen. 

The sails were fmied, the decks cleared up, when the 
whole scene started out of obscurity. St. Helena was 
in full view. A salute of twenty-one guns was fired, 
and promptly responded to, gun for gun, from the brist- 
ling batteries above. 

Under the vast, rugged buttresses of rock — sen-ated 
with gaps between them, like the surviving parapets of 
a gigantic fortress, the mass of which had sunk be- 
neath the sea — the vessel seemed shrunk to a mere 
speck ; and close under these mural precipices, rising to 
the height of two thousand feet, she had, in worse than 
darkness, crept along within hearing of the sm^f. 

On either bow, when anchored, were the two stupen- 
dous, square-faced blufts, between which, liked a ruined 
embrasure, yawned the ravine containing Jamestown. 
High and distant against the sky, was frowning a bat- 
tery of heavy guns, looking down upon the decks ; and 
beyond the valley, the road zigzagged along the nine 
hundred feet of steep-faced, ladder hill. Green thickets 
were creeping up the valleys; and plains of verdant 
turf here and there overlapped the precipices. 

Subsequently, on an inland excm^sion, were seen the 
fantastic forms of Lot and his wife, more than fourteen 



328 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

hundred feet in heiglit ; and black pillars, or shafts of 
basaltic columns, standing high amid the snowy foam 
of the surf. Patches of luxuriant vegetation were sud- 
denly broken by astounding chasms, such as the " Dev- 
il's Punch Bowl." 

This striking and majestic scenery, on an island ten 
miles in length and six in breadth, arises from its great 
height and its volcanic configuration. The occurrence 
of small oceanic deposits high up on its plains, indi- 
cates fits of elevation ere it reached its present altitude. 
The Yam-flowers (the sobriquet of the island ladies) 
need not, however, fear that the joke of travellers will 
prove a reality, by the island again being drawn under 
water like a turtle's head. 

Yisits were received from the chief-justice, the com- 
mandant and officers of the garrison. Invitations were 
sent to dine " with the mess." The American consul, 
and many of the inhabitants, joined in extending un- 
bounded hospitality to the officers, which was duly 
appreciated by African cruisers. A collation to their 
hospitable friends, on the quarterdeck of the Perry, 
was also partaken of by the officers of a British cruiser, 
which, on leaving the island, ran across the stern of the 
vessel, gave three cheers, and dipped her colors. The 
proprietor of Longwood, once the prison of l^apoleon, 
received the officers and their friends at a pic-nic, 
when a visit was made to that secluded spot, so sug- 



CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE CHIEF-JUSTICE. 329 

gestive of interesting associations. Every means was 
"used to leave a sense of grateful remembrance on the 
minds of tlie visitors to the island. 

One watch of the crew were constantly on shore, in 
search of health and enjoyment. 

A short time previously to leaving Loanda, informa- 
tion being received from the American consul at Rio, 
that the barque l^avarre, and brigantine Yolusia, al- 
ready noticed, had been furnished with sea-letters as 
American vessels, steps were taken to ascertain from 
the vice-admiralty court, in St. Helena, the circum- 
stances attending their trial and condemnation. Calls 
were made on several officers of the court for that 
purpose. Failing thus to obtain the information un- 
officially, a letter was drawn up and sent to the chief- 
justice, who was also the judge of the admiralty court. 
After the judge had read the letter, he held, with the 
commander of the Perry, a conversation of more than 
an hour, in reference to its contents. During this in- 
terview, the judge announced that he could not commu- 
nicate, officially, the information solicited. An oppor- 
tunity, however, was offered to look over the record of 
the proceedings. Circumstances did not seem to jus- 
tify the acceptance of this proposal. It was then 
intimated to the commander that the letter of request 
would be sent to Lord Palmerston ; and, in return, 
intimation was also given that a copy of the letter 



330 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

would be ti-ansmitted to the Secretary of the ITavy at 
Washington. 

The social intercourse between the parties, during this 
interview, was of the most agreeable character. 

In the same letter to the judge of the admiralty 
court, that contained the above-mentioned request for 
documents relating to the case of the I^avarre, the 
commander of the Perry stated that he was informed by 
the American consul that the l^avarre was sold in Rio 
to a citizen of the United States ; that a sea-letter was 
granted by the consul ; that the papers were regular 
and true ; that the owner was master, aud that the 
American crew were shipped in the consul's office. 

The commander also stated, that information from 
other sources had been received, that the Navarre pro- 
ceeded to the coast of Africa, and when near Benguela 
was boarded by H. B. Majesty's brig Water-Witch, and 
after a close examination of her papers was permitted 
to pass. The captain of the Navarre, after having 
intimated his intention to the officer of the Water- 
Witch, of going into Benguela, declined doing so on 
learning that the Perry was there, assigning to his crew 
as the reason, that the Perry would take him prisoner ; 
and at night accordingly bore up and ran down towards 
Ambriz. The captain also stated to a part of the crew, 
that the officer of the Water- Witch had advised him to 
give up the vessel to hirn^ as the Perry would certainly 



AMERICAN COMMANDER'S STATEMENT. 331 

take liis vessel, and send him home, whereas he wonld 
only take his vessel, and let him land and go free. 

On reaching Ambriz, with the American flag flying, 
the ITavarre was boarded by the commander of H. M. 
steam-sloop Fire-Fly, who, on examining the papers 
given by the consul, and passed by the commander of 
the Water-Witch as being in form, pronounced them 
false. The captain of the I^avarre was threatened 
with being taken to the American squadron, or to J^ew 
York ; and fearing worse consequences in case he should 
fall into the hands of the American cruisers, preferred 
giving up his vessel, hond fide American, to a British 
officer. Under these circumstances, he signed a paper 
that the vessel was Brazilian property, and he himself 
a Brazilian subject. The mate was ordered to haul 
down the American and hoist the Brazilian colors; in 
doing which the American crew attempted to stop him, 
when the English armed sailors interfered, and struck 
one of the American crew on the head. 

The Fire-Fly arrived at Loanda a few days after the 
capture of the l^avarre, and the representations of her 
commander induced the commander of the Perry to 
believe that the ISTavarre was Brazilian property, and 
captured with false American papers ; which papers 
having been destroyed, no evidence of her nationality 
remained but the statement of the commander of the 
Fire-Fly. This statement, being made by a British 



332 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

officer, was deemed sufficient, until subsequent informa- 
tion led to the conclusion, that the ISTavarre was an 
American vessel, and whether engaged in legal or 
illegal trade^ the course pursued towards her bj the 
commanders of the Water- Witch and the Fire-Fly, 
was wholly unauthorized ; and her subsequent capture 
by the commander of the Fire-Fly, was in direct viola- 
tion of the treaty of Washington. 

After this statement was drawn up, the Water- 
Witch being in St. Helena, it was shown to her com- 
mander. 

A statement in relation to the capture and condemna- 
tion of the Yolusia, was also forwarded to the chief- 
justice : stating, upon the authority of the American 
consul at Eio, that she had a sea-letter, and was strictly 
an American vessel, bought by an American citizen in 
Rio de Janeiro. 

In reply to this application for a copy of the pro- 
ceedings of the Admiralty Court in relation to the ]^a- 
varre, the chief-justice, in a letter to the commander of 
the Perry, stated that he was not aware of any Ameri- 
can vessel having been condemned in the Yice-Admi- 
ralty Court of that colony. 

It was true that a barque called the I^avarre had 
been condemned in the court, which might or might 
not have been American ; but the circumstances under 
which the case was presented to the court, were such as 



REPLY OF THE CHIEF-JUSTICE. 333 

to indr.ce the court to conclude that the l^avarre was 
at the time of seizure not entitled to the protection of 
anv state or nation. 

With respect to the commander's request that he 
should be furnished with a copy of the affidavits in the 
case, the judge regretted to state, that with every dis- 
position to comply with his wishes, so far as regards 
the proceedings of the court, yet as the statement of the 
commander not only reflected upon the conduct of the 
officers concerned in the seizure, but involved questions 
not falling within the province of the court, he did not 
feel justified in giving any special directions in refer- 
ence to the application. 

Similar reasons were assigned for not furnishing a 
copy of the affidavits in the case of the Yolusia. 

In a letter to the commodore, dated October 19th, 
information was given substantially as follows : 

" A few days previously to leaving the coast of Africa, 
a letter was received from the American consul at Rio, in 
reply to a communication from the commander of the 
John Adams, and directed to that office, or to the com- 
mander of any U. S. ship-of-war. This letter inclosed a 
paper containing minutes from the records in the con- 
sulate in relation to several American vessels, and among 
them the barque ITavarre and brigantine Yolusia were 
named, as having been furnished with sea-letters as 
American vessels. These vessels were seized on the 



334 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

coast of Africa, and condemned in this admiralty court, 
as vessels of nnlaiown nationality. 

" Availing himself of the permission to extend the 
crnise as far as this island, and coming into possession 
of papers identifying the American nationality of the 
Navarre and Yolusia, the commander regarded it to be 
his duty to obtain all information in reference to the 
course pursued by British authorities towards these 
vessels for the purpose of submitting it to the Govern 
ment. 

" The commander called on the queen's proctor of the 
Yice- Admiralty Court, requesting a copy of the affida- 
vits in the instances of the Navarre and Yolusia. The 
proctor stated that the registrar of the court would 
probably furnish them. The registrar declined doing 
it without the sanction of the judge, and the judge de- 
clined for reasons alleged in the inclosed correspond- 
ence. 

" The proctor, soon afterwards, placed a packet of pa- 
pers in the hands of the commander of the Perry, con- 
taining the affidavits in question, and requested him to 
forward them to the British commodore. The proctor 
suggested to the commander that he might look over 
the papers. This was declined, on the ground that 
when the request was made for permission to examine 
them, unofficially, it was denied, and since having 
made the request officially for a copy of the papers. 



RECORDS OF ADMIRALTY COURT. 335 

they could not now be received and examined at St. 
Helena, except in an official form. It was then inti- 
mated that the intention was to have the ]3apers sent 
unofficially to the British commodore, that he might 
show them, if requested to do so, to the American 
officers." 



CHAPTEK XXX. 

RETURN TO LOANDA CYCLOPS LEAVES THE COAST HON. CAP- 
TAIN HASTINGS DISCUSSION WITH THE BRITISH COMMODORE IN 

REFERENCE TO THE VISIT AT ST. HELENA COMMODORE FAN- 

SHAWE ARRIVAL AT MONROVIA BRITISH CRUISER ON SHORE 

ARRIVAL AT PORTO PRAYA WRECK OF A HAMBURGH SHIP. 

The Perry, after ten days' acquaintance and inter- 
course with many exceedingly kind and hospitable 
friends, reluctantly sailed for the African coast, and af- 
ter a passage of ten days, beat up inside of the reef 
forming the harbor, guided by the signal-lights of the 
men-of-war, and anchored at Loanda. The following 
morning, salutes were exchanged with the French com- 
modore, whose broad pendant was flying at the main 
of a fine steam-frigate. To the Secretary of the ISTavy 
it was announced that no suspicious American vessel 
had been on the south coast since the capture of the 
Chatsworth. 

After remaining two days in Loanda, cruising was 
renewed, in company with the Cyclops, off Ambriz. 
Soon afterwards the Cyclops was ordered to England. 
The commanding oflicer of the southern division was 



CHARACTER OF THE HON". CAPT. HASTINGS. 337 

now about taking his leave of the coast. The Hon. 
Captain Hastings (since deceased), brother to the Eaii 
of Huntington, was an officer of great merit, and a man 
of noble qualities. He was ever kind and attentive to 
the wants of his crew. He possessed great moral in- 
tegrity of character, and sound religious principles. 
Notwithstanding the protracted correspondence, often 
involving delicate points and perplexing questions, the 
social friendly intercourse between the two command- 
ers in the difteient services had not for a moment been 
interrupted. On partmg the two vessels exchanged 
three hearty cheers. 

The Perry beat up to tne southward as far as Ben- 
guela, and looking into the harbor, without anchoring, 
proceeded to run down the coast to the northward. 
On approaching a Portuguese man-of-war, that vessel 
fired a blank cartridge from a small gun. It being 
daylight, and the character of both cruisers easily dis- 
cernible, the object of the fire could not be conceived. 
A thirty-two pound shot was immediately thrown 
across the cruiser's bows. She then hauled down her 
colors, but soon afterwards hoisted them. A boat was 
sent for an explanation. The officer was assured that 
the Perry, in coming bows on, had been mistaken 
for a Portuguese brig, of which the cruiser was in 
search. 

On reaching Loanda, although no vessel had arrived 

15 



338 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

to relieve the Perry, yet, as her provisions were nearly 
exhausted, preparations were made to leave the north 
coast. The day before sailing, ISTovember 29th, a letter 
addressed to the commander of any U. S. vessel-of-war, 
was left in charge of the commercial agent of the 
Salem House. After recapitulating the occurrences of 
the last cruise, the letter stated that the correspond- 
ence with the collector had secured to our merchant 
vessels more consideration than formerly from the cus- 
tom-house ; and gave information that cruisers were 
often met at night, and that, therefore, the Perry had 
always four muskets and the two bow-guns ready for 
service at a moment's warning. A list of signals, es- 
tablished between the two commodores, was inclosed. 
It was stated that Ambriz was considered the best 
cruising-ground ; although the Perry had three times 
run up to Benguela, and once as far as Elephant Bay, 
having deemed it advisable to show the vessel on the 
entire line of coast. 

It was also stated that landing the Chatsworth's crew 
at Ambriz having been regarded as prejudicial to the 
interests of the American factory, the agent had been 
informed that no more slave-crews would be landed 
at that place ; and that it was believed that there were 
then no American vessels, with the exception of three 
or four legal traders, on the south coast. Although 
it was rumored that several vessels, fitted for the slave- 



mTERVIEW WITH THE BRITISH COMMODORE. 339 

trade, had gone round ttie Cape of Good Hope into the 
Mozambique Channel. 

On the following day, the Periy sailed for the north 
coast. Off Anibriz a visit was made to the British flag 
steam-frigate. The cases of the Navarre and Yolnsia, 
together with other instances of interference with the 
American flag, were discussed with the British com- 
modore. The copies of the affidavits, brought from St. 
Helena, were examined, from which, with other infor- 
mation in the commander's possession, it clearly ap- 
peared that, when the ISTavarre was first boarded ofi^ 
Benguela by the officer of the Water-Witch, her papers 
were found to be in form, and she was passed accord- 
ingly. When boarded by the Fire-Fly, a few days 
afterwards, the commander of that vessel declared her 
papers to be forgeries, and they were destroyed. The 
prize-officer, sent from the Fire-Fly to St. Helena in 
charge of the vessel, testified in the admiralty court, 
that he had no knowledge of the Navarre's papers. 
The commodore acknowledged that in the case of the 
Navarre there appeared, at least, some discrepancies 
in the dififerent statements. Full reports, embracing 
these points, were made to the American commo- 
dore. 

The social intercourse with the commander-in-chief 
had always been of the most agreeable character. 
Commodore Fanshawe, C. B., was Aid to the Queen, — 



340 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

a man of distingiiislied professional abilities, and of 
great moral worth. He is now tlie admiral in com- 
mand of the British naval forces in the West Indies, 
and on the north coast of America. 

The commodore expressed his determination, while 
doing all in his power for the suppression of, the slave- 
trade, not to interfere, in the least degree, with Ameri- 
can vessels ; and in cases of actnal interference, attrib- 
uted it, in a measure, to the want of judgment and 
discretion, now and then to be found among the num- 
ber of twenty captains ; adding, " with your extensive 
commerce, you ought to have more cruisers where we 
are so strong." He expressed his readiness to render 
assistance to American vessels in distress, as exempli- 
fied in having sent a vessel to the United States, which 
had lost her master and crew by the African fever ; and 
in the fact that an American vessel, aground in the 
Congo River, had been towed off by one of his steam- 
ers. The master of this vessel refused to state his ob- 
ject in going up the river, which was afterwards 
explained by his shipping, and escaping with a cargo of 
slaves. 

After parting with the commodore, the Perry filled 
away for the north coast; chased and boarded an 
English barque, bound to St. Helena ; also boarded an 
American barque, which, a few days previously, had 
been struck by lightning. This vessel had eight hun- 



RETURN TO MONROVIA. 341 

dred kegs of powder on board ; her spars and rigging 
were mncli damaged. 

The passage to Monrovia occupied fourteen days. 
The U. S. brig Porpoise had arrived on the coast, and 
was lying in the harbor of Monrovia. The General 
Assembly was in session, and the debates on the subject 
of resurveying the lands in one section of the country, 
were creditable to the speakers. 

A few days after the arrival of the Perry, it being 
learned that the British steam-cruiser Plamer was 
ashore near Gray's Point, a correspondence took place 
with President Poberts, which will furnish some idea 
of the character of the president, as well as the means 
which Monrovia is capable of affording for assistance in 
such cases. 

In this correspondence, the commander informed the 
president that he was about proceeding with the Perry 
to offer assistance to the Flamer ; and suggested that 
the cases of fever among the crew should be removed 
to Monrovia, rather than remain subject to the discom- 
fort of their present situation. He 2:>roposed, in case 
the president concurred in opinion, and accommodations 
could be furnished, to offer the services of the Perry in 
transporting the sick to Monrovia. The president, in 
reply, fully concurred, and recommended, by all means, 
that the sufferers should be immediately brought to 
Monrovia, where the best of accommodations would 



342 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

be supplied. He also sent his respects to the com- 
mander of the steamer, assuring him that he was ex- 
ceedingly anxions to render all aid in his power. 

On arriving at Gray's Point, the proffered assistance 
Avas declined, as one British cruiser had just arrived, 
and another was momentarily expected, which would 
transport the sick and suffering to Sierra Leone. 

Tlie Perry then proceeded to Porto Praya, and on 
the 8th of January, 1851, after one year's service on 
the south coast, reported to the commander-in-chief. 
Soon afterwards, the commodore was informed that a 
large Hamburgh ship, with a cargo exceeding in value 
the sum of three hundred thousand dollars, had been 
wrecked at night on the island of Mayo — forming one 
of the group of the Cape Yerdes. The Perry pro- 
ceeded to Mayo, for the purpose of rendering the 
wrecked ship all assistance in her power. The com- 
mander called on the American vice-consul, who was 
an intelligent, dignified black man, holding the offices 
of mayor and military commandant, superadded to that 
of vice-consul. It was found that the ship and most of 
her cargo had proved a total loss. The passengers and 
crew had escaped with their lives. Among the passen- 
gers was a clever young governess, going out to San- 
tiago, in Chili : she proceeded to Porto Praya, where 
her losses were fully compensated by the contributions 
of the officers of the squadron. After rendering all 



ARRIVAL AT PORTO PRAYA. 343 

possible assistance to tlie wrecked vessel and sufferers, 
the Perry returned to Porto Praya, and made prepara- 
tions for a third southern cruise. A first lieutenant and 
one midshipman were ordered to the vessel, to supply, 
in part, the vacancies occasioned by sending home 
officers in charge of captured slavers. 



CHAPTEE XXXI. 

RETURN TO THE SOUTH COAST COMPARATIVE COURSES AND 

LENGTH OF PASSAGE COUNTRY AT THE MOUTH OF THE 

CONGO CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE BRITISH COMMODORE 

STATE OF THE SLAVE-TRADE COMMUNICATION TO THE HYDRO- 
GRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT ELEPHANt's BAY CREW ON 

SHORE ZEBRAS, 

On the 19th of February, the vessel having been 
reported ready for sea, the commodore issued orders to 
proceed on a cruise south of the equator, under former 
orders and instructions, stopping at Monrovia and at 
the island of St. Helena ; and returning to Porto Praya 
when provisions should be exhausted. 

The vessel sailed at daylight on the following morn- 
ing, and after a passage of eight days, during which 
she had a long chase after an English brig, arrived at 
Monrovia. Five days were spent in wooding and 
watering ship. On Sunday, a colored Eev. Dr. of 
Divinity in the Baptist church, preached to a large con- 
gregation, giving his own rendering of the text from 
the original Greek. The effort was perhaps unusually 
elaborate, in consideration of several officers forming 
part of the audience. 



THE IN-SHORE PASSAGE. 345 

In running down the coast, a great number of canoes, 
filled with natives — sa7is culottes and sans chemises — 
pulled off to the vessel. By one of these, a note ad- 
dressed to the missionaries was sent into Cape Palmas, 
expressing regret that orders to the south coast pre- 
vented the vessel from touching either at the Cape or 
at the Gaboon River. 

The former passage to the south coast had been made 
on the port tack, by standing out into the southeast 
trades, and forty-one days had expired on reaching 
Benguela. This passage was made on the starboard 
tack, in-shore, and occupied but twenty-two days to 
Ambriz — a run of four days from Benguela. The great 
advantages of the in-shore passage will be made mani- 
fest in a letter hereafter to be referred to. Greater 
alternations of weather, pleasant and squally, with now 
and then a strong tornado, occur in-shore ; but a good 
look-out will enable a man-of-war to encounter all these 
with safety. Besides a number of legal traders, on the 
passage down, several British cruisers were boarded, 
who reported the slave-trade as being exceedingly dull. 

Three days were spent in Loanda, and then cruising 
for the same length of time, with the new commander 
of the British southern division, was resumed off Am- 
briz. Thence the vessel proceeded down the coast 
towards the Congo Biver, where the new commander 
of the steamer Fire-Fly boarded the Perry, when at a 

15- 



346 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

distance of four miles from his own vessel. Passed the 
Congo, after encountering a tornado. 

This river is more than two leagues broad at its 
month. At the distance of eight or ten miles seaward, 
in a northwesterly direction, the water preserves its 
freshness ; and at the distance of fifty and even sixty 
miles, it has a black tinge. Here are often seen small 
islands floating seaward, formed of fibrous roots, bam- 
boo, rushes and long grass, and covered with birds. 
The banks of the Congo are lined with low mangrove 
bushes, with clumps of a taller species interspersed, 
growing to the height of sixty and seventy feet. Palm- 
trees, and others of a smaller growth, are seen with a 
rich and beautiful foliage. In going up the river, the 
southern shore, where there is plenty of water close in 
with the land, should be kept aboard. The current is 
so strong — often running six miles an hour off Shark's 
Point — ^that an exceedingly fresh sea-breeze is ne- 
cessary in order to stem the stream. The greatest 
strength of this current, however, is superficial, not 
extending more than six or eight feet in depth. The 
Congo, like all rivers in Africa, except the l^ile, is 
navigable but a short distance before reaching the ra- 
pids. The great central regions being probably not 
less than three thousand feet in altitude above the 
sea, these rapids are formed by a sudden depression 
of the surface of the country towards the sea, or 



COU^^TRY ABOUT THE CONGO. 347 

by a bed of bard rocks stretcbing across tbe basin 
of tbe river. 

Tbe slave-trade has been extensively pursued in tbe 
Congo. A Britisb steam-cruiser, for many years, bas 
been stationed off its moutb, making many captures. 
Under American nationality, bowever, several vessels 
bave entered, taken in a cargo of slaves and escaped. 
Tbe natives, near tbe moutb of tbe river, bave been 
rendered treacherous and cruel by tbe slave-trade ; but 
a sbort distance in tbe interior, tbey are represented as 
being civil and inoffensive, disposed to trade in ele- 
pbants'-teetb and palm-oil. 

After crossing tbe Congo, tbe Perry communicated 
witb Kabenda, and tbe day following anchored at 
Loango, in company witb tbe Britisb cruiser stationed 
off that point. The British commodore arriving the 
next day, a letter was addressed to him, dated April 4:tb, 
asking whether any suspected vessels bad been seen on 
the south coast, by the crra'sers under his command, 
since the capture of the Chatsworth, on the lltb of 
September, 1850 ; also requesting that be would ex- 
press bis views of the present state of tbe slave-trade 
on the southern coast of Africa. 

In reply, tbe British commodore made the following 
communication : 

" I beg to acquaint you that the only report I bave 
received of a suspected vessel, under American colors, 



348 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

having been seen on the south coast since the date jon 
have named, was from H. M. steam-sloop Rattler, of a 
schooner showing American colors having approached 
the coast near Old Bengnela Head ; which vessel, 
when Commander Gumming landed subsequently, was 
reported to him, by the people on shore, to have shipped 
slaves near that place. 

" Your inquiry applies only to the south coast ; but 
it will not be irrelevant to the general subject and 
object for which we are co-operating, if I add that the 
schooner Eridgeton, of Philadelphia, under the Ameri- 
can flag, was visited by Her Majesty's steam-sloop 
Prometheus, off Lagos, on the 22d of August, under 
circumstances causing much suspicion, but with papers 
which did not warrant her seizure by a British officer ; 
and that I have since received information from Her 
Britannic Majesty's consul at Bahia, that the same 
vessel landed three hundred slaves there in October. 

" I also take this opportunity of bringing under your 
notice ""another American vessel, which I observed at 
Sieri'a Leone under the American flag ; and which was 
reported to me, by the authorities there, as being to all 
appearance a legal trader, with correct papers, but 
whose real character and ultimate object I have since 
had much reason to doubt. 

" I inclose a copy of the formal entry of this vessel, 
^ Tlie Jasper,' at the port of Sierra Leone, from which 



BRITISH COMMODORE'S LETTER. 349 

jou will observe that her cargo was shipped at the 
Havana ; and that in the manifest are shooks and heads 
^.'f water-casks, and that she had on board three pas- 
sengers : these passengers were Sjpaniards. The Jasper 
staid a short time at Sierra Leone, disposed of some 
trifles of her cargo for cash, and left for Monrovia, 
On proceeding a few days afterwards in the Centanr (the 
flag-ship) to that place, I found that she had disposed 
of more of her cargo there, also for cash, and was re- 
ported to have proceeded to the leeward coast ; and I 
learned from the best authority, that of the passengers, 
one was recognized as being a Spanish slave-dealer 
who had been expelled from Tradetown, in 1849, by 
President Eoberts, and that the others were a Span- 
ish merchant, captain and supercargo ; and that the 
American captain had spoken of his position as being 
very indefinite. 

" On the second subject, my view of the present 
state of the slave-trade on the south coast : It is formed on 
my own observations of the line of coast from Cape St, 
Paul's to this port, and from the reports which I have 
received from the captains of the divisions, and the 
commanders of the cruisers under my orders, as well 
as from other well-informed persons on whom I can 
rely, that it has never been in a more depressed state, 
a state almost amounting to suppression ; and that this 
arises from the active exertions of Her Majesty's squad- 



350 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ron on both sides of the Atlantic, and the cordial co- 
operation which has been established between the 
cruisers of Great Britain and the United States on this 
coast, to carry out the intention of the Washington 
treaty ; and latterly from the new measures of the 
Brazilian government. 

" Factories have been broken up at Lagos, in the 
Congo, and at Ambriz ; although of this I need hardly 
speak, because your own observation during the past 
year must satisfy you of the present state of depression 
there. 

" Tlie commencement of last year was marked by an 
unusual number of captures by Her Majesty's cruisers, 
both in the bights and on the south coast, and also by 
those by the cruisers of the United States. This year, 
the capture of only one vessel equipped in the bights, 
and one with slaves (a transferred Sardinian), on the 
south coast, have been reported to me — a striking proof 
of my view. 

"The desperate measures also adopted by the slave- 
dealers in the last few months to get rid of their slaves 
by the employment of small vessels, formerly engaged 
in the legal and coasting trade, as marked by the cap- 
ture of several (named) slavers, prove the difficulty to 
which they have been driven. 

" The barracoons, however, along the whole line of 
coast, are still reported to me to contain a great num- 



STATE OF THE SLAVE-TRADE. 351 

ber of slaves, to ship whom, I have little doubt further 
attempts will be made. 

" Most satisfactory, on the whole, as this state of things 
may be considered, still I hope it will not lead to any 
immediate relaxation either of our efforts or of our co- 
operation ; but that a vigilance will be observed for a 
time sufficient to enable a legal trade to replace the 
uprooted slave-traffic, and to disperse the machinery (I 
may say) of the merchants connected with it, and pre- 
vent any resumption of it by them." 

Leaving Loango with a fresh supply of monkeys and 
parrots, the Perry retraced her course to the southward, 
and on reaching the Congo, crossed that river in a few 
hom^s, close at its mouth, showing this to be practicable, 
and altogether preferable to standing off to the west- 
ward for that pm-pose. After crossing the river, the first 
lieutenant, Mr. Porter, who had seen much service in 
other vessels on the coast, was requested to draw up a 
letter addressed to the commander, containing the fol- 
lowing information, which, after having been endorsed 
as fully according with experience and observation on 
board the Perry, was forwarded to Lieutenant Mauiy, 
in charge of the J^ational Observatory, under the im- 
pression that it might be available in the hydrographi- 
cal department. It has since been published in " Mau- 
ry's Sailing Directions." 

" In the season of February, March, April and May, 



352 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

there is no difficulty in making the passage from Porto 
Praya to Ambriz in thirty days, provided the rmi from 
Porto Praya takes not more than eight days. 

"The direct route, and that which approaches the 
great circle, leads along the coast, touching the outer 
soundings of St. Ann's Shoals, thence to half Cape 
Mount, to allow for a current when steering for Monro- 
via. From there, follow the coast along with land and 
sea breezes, assisted by the current, until you arrive at 
Cape Palmas. Keep on the starboard tack, notwithstand- 
ing the wind may head you in-shore (the land-breezes 
will carry you off), and as the wind permits, haul up 
for 2° west longitude. Cross the equator here if con- 
venient, but I would not go to the westward of it. You 
will encounter westerly currents from thirty to fifty 
miles a day. In the vicinity of Prince's Island, the 
southwest wind is always strong. In the latitude of 
about 1° 30' north there is a current : should it not be 
practicable to weather the island of St. Thomas, stand 
in, approach the coast, and you will meet with north 
winds to carry you directly down the coast. 

" Our vessels, after arriving at Cape Palmas, have 
generally gone upon the port tack, because the wind 
carried them towards the coast or Gulf of Guinea, and 
seemed to favor them for the port tack the most, which, 
on the contrary, although slowly veering towards the 
southeast, was hauling more ahead, and leading them 



ADVANTAGES OF THE IN-SHORE PASSAGE. 353 

off into a current, which, under a heavy press of sail, it 
is impossible to work against. The consequences were, 
that they had to go upon the starboard tack, and re- 
trace the ground gone over. On the starboard tack, 
as you proceed easterly, the action of the wind is the 
reverse, and it allows you to pui'sue the great circle 
course. 

" It employed one man-of-war eighty odd days to Ka- 
benda, a port two hundred miles nearer than Ambriz, 
to which port (Ambriz) from Monrovia, in this vessel 
(the Perry), we went in twenty-three days; making 
thirty-one from Porto Praya, Another vessel was oc- 
cupied ten to Monrovia, and forty-six to Ambriz, by the 
way of Prince's Island, about ten of which was lost in 
working to the south of Cape Palmas. In standing to 
the eastward, north of the equator, the current is with 
you — south of the equator, it is adverse. 

" The practice along the coast in this vessel (the Per- 
ry), was to keep near enough to the land to have the ad- 
vantage of a land and sea breeze, and to drop a kedge 
whenever it fell calm, or we were unable to stem the 
current. Upon this part of the coast, near the Congo, 
the lead-line does not always show the direction of the 
cuiTent which affects the vessel. On the bottom there 
is a current in an opposite direction from that on the 
surface ; therefore, before dropping the kedge, the bet- 
ter way is to lower a boat and anchor her, which will 



354: AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

show the drift of the vessel. Between Ambriz and the 
Congo I have seen the under-current so strong to the 
southeast as to carry a twenty-four pound, lead off the 
bottom, while the vessel was riding to a strong south- 
west current ; but the under-current is the stronger. 

" In crossing the Congo, I would always suggest cross- 
ing close at its mouth, night or day. Going north, with 
the wind W. E". W., steer I^. E". E. with a five or six 
knot breeze. When you strike soundings on the other 
side, you will have made about a N. -3 E. course in the 
distance of nine miles, by log from 11 J fathoms off 
Shark's Point. The current out of the river sets west 
about two knots the hour. "With the land-breeze it is 
equally convenient, and may be crossed in two hours. 
In coming from the north, with Kabenda bearing 'N. E. 
in thirteen fathoms, or from the latitude of 5° 48', wind 
southwest, a S. S. E. course will carry you over in four 
hours, outside of Point Padron ; and by keeping along 
shore the current will assist you in going to the north. 
Yessels which cross to seaward, from latitude of 5° 45' 
south, and 9° west longitude, are generally six days or 
more to Ambriz : by the former method it occupied us 
(the Perry) only two days." 

The vessel then proceeded to Loanda, and after re- 
maining one day in port, beat up the coast as far as 
Elephants' Bay, in 13° 14' south latitude, communicated 
with four British cruisers, anchored en route in Ben- 



SCENES AT ELEPHANTS' BAY. 355 

guela, and there supplied a British cruiser with masts, 
plank and oars, for repairing a bilged launch. Du- 
ring a walk on shore, a Portuguese merchant was met, 
who spoke of the slave-trade being in a languishing 
state. On calling at his house, a yard in the rear was 
observed, capable of accommodating some three or four 
hundred slaves. On entering Elephants' Bay in a 
fresh breeze, the vessel was brought down to her dou- 
ble-reefed topsails. 

Elephants' Bay may be termed the confines of the 
Great Southern Desert, and the limit of the African 
fever. A very few wretched inhabitants, subsisting by 
fishing, are found along the shores. l!^one were seen 
during the Perry's visit. The soil is sandy and barren, 
and rains very scanty, seldom occurring more than 
once or twice during the year. The climate is exceed- 
ingly invigorating. The crew were permitted to haul 
the seine, and take a run on shore. A brackish spring- 
was found, and around it were many tracks of wild ani- 
mals. Several of the men, armed with muskets, while 
strolling a few miles from the shore, started up a drove 
of zebras, but were unsuccessful in their attempts to 
capture even a single prize. 

The day after arriving in this bay, while one watch 
of the men were exercising the big guns at target-firing, 
and the other watch on shore familiarizing themselves 
with the use of small-arms, a large barque was dis- 



356 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

covered in the offing; and not conceiving any other 
object than that of slaving to be the business of a ves- 
sel on that desert coast, a signal-gnn was fired, and the 
cornet hoisted for " all hands" to repair on board. The 
Perry was soon off under full sail in chase of the stran- 
ger. As night closed in, and the sea-breeze became 
light, two boats, in charge of the first and second lieu- 
tenants, were dispatched in the chase ; the vessel and 
boats occasionally throwing up a rocket and burning a 
blue light to indicate their relative positions. The 
strange vessel was at length brought to, and boarded. 
She proved to be a Portuguese barque in search oi 
ochil for dyeing purposes. 



CHAPTEE XXXII, 

THE CONDITION OF THE SLAVE-TRADE WANT OF SUITABLE 

CRUISERS HEALTH OF THE VESSEL NAVY SPIRIT RATION 

PORTUGUESE COMMODORE FRENCH COMMODORE LOANDA 

LETTER FROM SIR GEORGE JACKSON, BRITISH COMMIS- 
SIONER, ON THE STATE OF THE SLAVE-TRADE RETURN TO 

PORTO PRAYA. 

After parting company with the Portuguese ves- 
sel, the Perry ran down to Loanda, from whence a 
letter, dated the 17th of April, was addressed to a 
gentleman in a prominent station at Washington, com- 
municating in effect the following views and infor- 
mation : 

"The slave-trade has received an effectual check 
within the past year. Only one suspected American 
vessel has been seen on the south coast, since the cap- 
ture of the Chatsworth. 

" In a letter from Sir George Jackson, British com- 
missioner at Loanda, addressed to Lord Palmerston, 
which was shown to the commander of the Perry, it is 
stated that the present state of the slave-trade arises 
from the activity of British cruisers, the co-oi^eration of 
part of the American squadron on the southern coast 



358 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

within the year, and its capture of two or three slavers 
bearing the flag of that nation, together with the meas- 
ures adopted by the Brazilian government ; and also 
that it may be said that the trade on this southern 
coast is now confined to a few vessels bearing the Sar- 
dinian flag. 

" The British commander-in-chief has expressed him- 
self equally sanguine as to the state of the trade ; and 
is of the opinion that the continued presence of our 
vessels, in co-operation with the English, will tend to 
depress, if not effectually break up the trafiic. 

" The impression was entertained previously to join- 
ing this squadron, that the orders of our government — 
giving such narrow latitude to the commanders — super- 
added to the difiiculty of getting a slaver condemned 
in the United States courts, that had not slaves actually 
on board, were almost insuperable obstacles to the 
American squadron's effecting any thing of conse- 
quence towards the suppression of this iniquitous traffic, 
or even preventing the use of our flag in the trade. But 
observation and experience have entirely changed these 
views, and led to the conclusion that if even the commo- 
dore had a small-sized steamer — which is here wanted 
more than on any other station — in which he might 
visit the cruisers at points along the line of the slave- 
coast, that we should no more hear of a slaver using 
the American flag, than we do now of his using the 



WANTS OF THE SQUADRON. 359 

British flag. ]S"otwitlistanding our legal commerce 
here exceeds that of Great Britain or France, yet the 
United States have not had, for a period of more 
than two years previous to the arrival of this vessel, an 
American man-of-war, an American consul, or a public 
functionary of any kind, on the southern coast of Af- 
rica. In consequence, the slave-trade has been boldly 
carried on under the American flag, while American 
legal traders have been annoyed, both by the inter- 
ferences of foreign cruisers at sea, and custom-house 
restrictions and exactions in port. 

" Checked as the slave-trade is for the time being, if 
vigilant cruising were to be relaxed, or the coast left 
without a man-of-war, this ti*ade would soon revive ; 
and even if with Brazil it should be suppressed, then 
with Cuba it would break out, with greater virulence 
than ever, in the Bight of Benin. Hence the importance 
of well-appointed cruisers for its suppression, to say 
nothing of their agency in the vindication of our com- 
mercial rights in the protection of legal traders. 

" Eight smaller vessels, carrying the same number of 
guns, two of which should be steamers, would not add 
materially to the expense, as coal at Loanda may be 
purchased at ten dollars the ton, while they would prove 
much more efiicient than the vessels comj)osing the 
present squadron. These cruisers might each be as- 
signed two hundred miles of the slave-coast, having 



360 AFRICA AND THE AMEEICAN FLAG. 

their provisions replenished by a store-ship and flag- 
steamer; and once during the cruise — which should 
never exceed twenty months — run into the trades, or to 
St. Helena, for the purpose of recruiting the health of 
officers and men. The health of the squadron under 
the present sanitary regulations, is as good as that on 
any other station. This vessel, although in constant 
and active service, with her boats, after cruising for the 
last sixteen months, has not had a death on board. The 
Perry has served out no grog ; and if Congress would 
only do the navy in general the kindness to abolish 
the' whisky ration, which is ' evil, and only evil, and 
that continually,' all men-of-war, in health, comfort, 
morals, discipline and efficiency, would be benefited. 
The climate has been urged as an objection to the con- 
tinuance of the squadron. This, as has been shown, is 
a groundless objection ; and were it not, it is an unmili- 
tary objection, as the navy is bound to perform all ser- 
vice, irrespective of danger to health and life, which 
the honor and interests of the country require. It 
would be a reflection on the chivalry of the service, to 
suppose that the African squadron could not be well 
officered. Withdraw the squadrons on the coast of 
Africa, and not only would Liberia suffer materially, 
but the legal trade in ivory, gum- copal, palm-oil, cop- 
per and caoutchouc, now in process of development 
along the line of coast, would soon be broken up, and 



INTERCOURSE WITH FOREIGN OFFICERS. 361 

the entire coast handed over to the tender mercies of 
piratical slave-traders." 

Portuguese, English and French men-of-war were 
lying at Loanda. The Portngnese commodore had 
been uniformly attentive and courteous in official and 
social intercourse. The navy-yard was freely offered for 
the service of the vessel. One evening, on falling in 
with the commodore at sea, the Perry beat to quarters ; 
and the first intimation given of the character of the 
vessel she met, was by the flag-ship running across her 
stern, and playing " Hail Columbia." In the last inter- 
view, the commodore alluded to our correspondence 
with the British officers, and expressed his gratification 
at the results. The French commodore was an intelli- 
gent, active officer, whose squadron had made several 
captures. He often expressed the wish that the Perry 
would visit his friends, the Kev. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
and Mr. Bushnell, at the Gaboon Mission, whom he re- 
garded as being, in all respects, highly creditable rep- 
resentatives of American benevolence and culture. 
The character of the intercourse with the British com- 
missioner may be inferred from a letter to be intro- 
duced hereafter. The attentions of the British consul, 
and in particular his politeness in furnishing news and 
information fi'om England, were highly ap23reciated. 
The agent of the large and respectable house in Salem, 
Massachusetts, extended a liberal hospitality to the 

16 



362 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG, 

American officers. The governor-general of the prov- 
ince of Angola vas a distinguished general in the 
Portuguese ser\'ice, and supported great state. He 
offered, in the complimentary style of his country, the 
]3alace and its contents to the officers of the Perry. 
Salutes had been exchanged with the garrison and all 
the commodores on the station. The attentions extended 
to a small cruiser, were the tribute paid to the only 
representative of a great and highly respected nation. 

Loanda, with its seventeen thousand inhabitants, 
numerous fortifications, palace, churches and cathedral, 
its houses, many being of stone, spacious and substan- 
tial, standing as it does on an eminence, presents an 
impressive appearance, reminding one of a somewhat 
dilapidated Italian city ; while the frequent passing of 
a palanquin, supported by two stout negroes, in which 
the movement is agreeably undulating, recalls the 
eastern luxury of locomotion. But the wealth and 
prosperity of Loanda have been dependent on the slave- 
trade. In the year eighteen hundred and forty-eight, 
the amount of goods entered for the legal trade, 
amounted to about ninety thousand dollars ; and at the 
same time, there were smuggled goods for the purposes 
of the slave-trade, amounting to the sum of eight 
hundred thousand dollars * 

* Parliamentary reports, 1850. H. L. evidence. 



TAKING LEAVE OF SOUTH COAST. 363 

On the lYth of May, the Peny took final leave of 
St. Paul de Loanda, leaving a letter addressed to the 
commander of any U. S. cruiser on the coast, and re- 
ceiving from the British commissioner, a letter express- 
ing his views on the subject of the slave-trade, and of 
the agencies in operation for its suppression. After 
cruising a day or two off Ambriz, she bid adieu to the 
south African coast, and made all sail for the island of 
St. Helena. 

The letter addressed to the commander of any U. S. 
cruiser, was to the following purport : 

" 3^othing has occurred to interrupt the cordial and 
harmonious co-operation with the British men-of-war, 
during the present cruise on the southern coast. 

"The accent of the American House at Loanda 
asserts, that the presence of our cruisers has had a 
salutary effect upon his interests. Formerly there were 
many vexatious detentions in the clearance of vessels, 
prohibitions of visiting vessels, &c., which are now 
removed. Having no consul on the coast, he says that 
the interests of the House are liable to be jeopardized 
on frivolous pretexts, in case that a man-of-war is known 
to be withdrawn for any length of time." 

The letter of Sir George Jackson, the commissioner, 
received on leaving Loanda, says : 

"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter of the Tth instant, in which, referring to my 



364 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

official position and long residence here, yon request 
mj opinion on the past and present state of the slave- 
trade, and of the measures respectively adopted for its 
suppression. 

" From the time I left your magnificent and interest- 
ing country, I have been mostly engaged as H. M. 
commissioner in the mixed courts at Sierra Leone, Rio 
de Janeiro, and for the last five years nearly, at this 
place ; but in all that long period, the present is the 
first occasion when I could have answered your inquiry 
with any satisfaction. When you did me the honor ol 
calling upon me, on your first arrival here, in March, 
1850, I welcomed you with those feelings of pleasure, 
which the recollection of kindnesses received in your 
country will ever excite in my breast at the sight of an 
American ; but I was far from anticipating those bene- 
fits, in a public point of view, in a cause in which we 
both take so deep an interest, which, I am happy to 
say, have resulted from your appearance, and that of 
other vessels of the XJ. S. ^avy, on this coast, which 
soon followed you. During the four years preceding 
your arrival, I did not see, and scarcely heard of one 
single American officer on this station. The Marion 
and the Boxer did, indeed, if I recollect right, anchor 
once or twice in this harbor, but they made no stay in 
these parts. What was the consequence ? 

" The treaty of Washington proved almost a dead 



LETTER OF SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 365 

letter, as regarded one of the contracting parties. And 
the abuse of the American flag became too notorious, 
in promoting and abetting the shive-trade, to make it 
necessary for me to refer further to it — more particu- 
larly in addressing one who, himself, witnessed that 
abuse when at its height. 

"The zeal and activity displayed by yourself and 
brother ofiicers, and the seizures which were the results 
of them, at once changed the face of things. The 
actual loss which the traffic has sustained, and still 
more the dread of those further losses which they anti- 
cipated, on seeing the U. S. squadron prepared to con- 
front them at those very haunts to which they had been 
accustomed to repair with impunity, and determined 
to vindicate the honor of their insulted flag, which they 
had too long been allowed to prostitute, struck terror 
into those miscreants on both sides of the Atlantic. 
And from the date of those very o|)portune captures, 
not a vessel illicitly assuming American colors has been 
seen on the coast ; and, as it was upon the abuse of that 
flag, aided by the facility which the system of granting 
sea-letters afforded, that the slave-traders have mainly 
relied for the prosecution of their nefarious traffic, the 
suppression of that abuse by the joint exertions of Her 
Majesty's squadron with that of the United States, has 
given a blow to the slave-trade which, combined with 
the change of policy on that subject on the part of the 



366 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG-. 

Brazilian government, will, I hope and believe, go far, 
if not to extinguish, it altogether, at least very materially 
to circumscribe its operations. 

"The effect of what 1 have above stated has, as 
yon know, for some time past, shown itself very sensi- 
bly at this place : money is exceedingly scarce — slaves 
hardly find purchasers. Failures of men wdio have 
hitherto figured as among the chief merchants of this 
city, have already occurred, and others are anticipated, 
and a general want of confidence prevails. 

" We mnst not, however, allow ourselves to be de- 
ceived either by our own too sanguine expectations, or the 
interested representations of others. Tlie enemy is only 
defeated, not subdued ; on the slightest relaxation on 
our part, he wonld rally, and the work would have to 
be commenced de novo, l^or, I should say, from my 
knowledge of the Brazils, mnst we reckon too confi- 
dently on the continnance of the measures which the 
Imperial Government apjoears now to be adopting. 
Giving the present administration every credit for sin- 
cerity and good intentions, we must not shut our eyes 
to the proofs, which have hitherto been so frequent and 
so overwhelming, of the power of the slave-trade in- 
terest in that country. We must act as if we still 
wanted the advantage of her co-operation ; and in this 
view it is, that I cannot too forcibly insist on the abso- 
lute necessity of the continuation of our naval exer- 



LETTER OF SIR GEORGE JACKSON. 367 

tions, which, so far from being diminished, ought as fai 
as possible, I conceive, to be still fm-ther increased, till 
this hideous hydra shall be finally and forever destroyed. 
Then when its last head shall be cut off, colonization, 
which till then, like other plans, can only be regarded 
as auxiliary to the great work, may step in and prosper, 
and commerce, dipping her wings in the gall of the 
slain monster, shall rise triumphant. 

" It would not be becoming in me, in addressing an 
American citizen, to do more than to testify to the mis- 
chiefs occasioned by the system I have already alluded 
to, of granting sea-letters ; but I should hope, upon due 
investigation it would be found very practicable to 
deny such letters to vessels sailing to the coast of Afri- 
ca, without at all interfering with the interest or freedom 
of licit trade. 

" I have thus, very imperfectly, I fear, complied with 
your request — purposely abstaining from a detailed 
recapitulation of those occurrences which, if they took 
place in these parts, you have yourself been an eye- 
witness to ; or with which, if they happened in a more 
remote quarter, you have had opj)ortunities of being 
made acquainted, from better sources than I can com- 
mand. 

" I cannot, however, quit this subject without indul- 
ging in a feeling of gratification, if not of exultation, at 
the singular coincidence, or rather, I should say, con- 



368 APRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 



m^mg. 



trast, between my present employment, and that wtiicli 
occupied me for fonr years in the United States. 

"I was then associated with your distinguisiied 
countryman, Langdon Cheeves, engaged in appraising 
the value of human beings like oui^selves — regarded as 
mere goods and chattels. I have been since that time 
chiefly occupied in restoring that same unhappy class 
to freedom and to their natural rights, and in giving 
effect to that increasing and disinterested perseverance 
in this righteous cause, on the pai-t of my government 
and country, which will foim. one of the brightest 
pages in its history. Glad am I to think that the 
United States are disposed to join heart and hand with 
Great Britain in so blessed an undertaking ; and oh, 
that I could hear my ci-devant and much respected 
colleague sympathize with me in this feeling, and know 
that his powerful voice and energies were exerted in 
the same cause !" 

The run of the Perry to St. Helena occupied eight 
days. On aj)proaching the island it was distinctly seen 
at the distance of sixty-four miles. After making a 
short, but an exceedingly interesting visit, the vessel 
sailed, making a passage of nine days to Monrovia ; 
and from thence proceeded to Porto Pray a, arriving on 
the 30th of June. 



CHAPTEK XXXIII. 

ISLAND OF MADEIRA PORTO GRANDE, CAPE VERDE ISLANDS 

INTERFERENCE OF TtlE BRITISH CONSUL WITH THE LOUISA 

BEATON PORTO PRAYA BRAZILIAN BRIGANTINE SEIZED BY 

THE AUTHORITIES ARRIVAL AT NEW YORK, 

MoEE than eighteen months had elapsed suice the 
arriyal of the vessel on the coast ; and orders from the 
IN^avy Department, to proceed to the United States, 
were believed to be waiting at Porto Praja. 'No such 
orders, however, were received. Bnt instructions had 
been issued by the new commodore, who had sailed a 
few days previously, either to remain at Porto Praya, 
or proceed to the island of Madeira. The latter alter- 
native was adopted ; and seven weeks were as agreeably 
spent in Madeira, as was consistent with our disappoint- 
ment in proceeding to this genial climate, instead of re- 
turning home, for the purpose of recruiting health and 
strength, enfeebled by long service on the African 
coast. A portion of the crew were daily on shore for 
the sake of relaxation and enjoyment. 

The princely hospitality of the American consul, Mr. 
March, in opening his splendid mansion to the Ameri- 
can officers, and at all times receiving them at his ta- 



16 



^ 



370 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

ble, is worthy of grateful acknowledgment. Several 
English and Portuguese families extended a generous 
hospitality to the officers ; and the intercourse with 
Lord and Lady Newborough, whose steam yacht was 
lying in port, contributed much to the satisfaction with 
which the time was spent at Madeira. The noble 
party dipped their colors three times, on separating, 
which was duly acknowledged. 

On returning to the Cape Yerde Islands, a brisk gale 
from the eastward induced the Perry to run into Porto 
Grande, St. Yincent's Island, which is the largest and 
most commodious harbor in the group. 

The master of an American vessel, when calling on 
board, in company with the consul, communicated 
a report that the American brigantine Louisa Beaton, a 
few months previously, had been denounced by the 
British consul to the governor-general of these islands, 
as a vessel engaged in the slave-trade. The American 
consul had heard the report, but being informed that 
the information was communicated imofficially to the 
governor-general, had taken no action in the case. 
The commander of the Perry, with the consul, then 
called on the collector of the port, and after learning 
the facts, addressed, on the 29th of September, a letter 
to the collector, requesting official information in refer- 
ence to the agency that the British consul had had in 
inducing the governor-general of the Cape Yerde 



INTERFERENCE OF A BRITISH CONSUL. 371 

Islands to direct a search to be made of the Louisa 
Beaton, on suspicion of her being engaged in the slave- 
trade. 

The collector, in reply, stated that the governor-gene- 
ral had not ordered any survey or visit on board the 
Louisa Beaton, but had directed him to state what was 
true in regard to the aforesaid vessel suspected of 
being employed in the slave-trade ; as a representation 
had been made to his Excellency, by the consul for 
her British Majesty for these islands, in which the con- 
sul stated his belief that the said brig had on board 
irons, pots, and all other utensils and preparations 
necessary for that traffic; and also that he knew of 
a load of slaves being already bargained for, for the 
said vessel. 

A letter of the same day's date was then addressed 
to her British Majesty's consul, stating that the com- 
mander was credibly informed that, during the month 
of May he had denounced the Louisa Beaton to the 
governor-general, on suspicion of her being engaged in 
the slave-trade, and requested him to state by what 
authority he made the denunciation ; also, the grounds 
upon which his suspicions of the illegal character of the 
vessel were founded. 

Li reply, on the same day, the British consul stated 
that it was upon the very best authority that could be 
given ; but he regretted that it was not in his power to 



372 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

name his authority. But that the character and former 
proceedings of the Louisa Beaton were quite sufficient 
to be referred to, to show that her proceedings were 
even then strongly suspected. 

In a letter to the British consul, of the same day's 
date, the commander informed him that he regretted 
that the consul did not feel at liberty to disclose the 
authority upon which he had acted in denouncing the 
American brigantine Louisa Beaton, for it had been 
with the hope that he would in a measure be able to 
relieve himself of an act of interference in a matter in 
which he, the consul, had no concern, that chiefly in- 
duced the commander to address him. As, however, 
he had failed to assign any reason for that act of inter- 
ference with a vessel belonging to the United States, it 
had become a duty to apprise him that the government 
of the United States would not permit an officer of any 
other government to interfere, officially or otherwise, 
with any vessel entitled to wear their flag ; and that he 
had to suggest to the consul, that hereafter, should he 
have any cause to suspect any such vessel sailing in vi- 
olation of a municipal law of the United States, he 
would content himself by giving information of the fact 
to some officer or agent of the United States : that such 
officer or agent would at all times be found near his 
residence. 

Tlie commander further stated that he might then, 



COREESPONDENOE ON THE SUBJECT. 373 

with propriety, dismiss the subject, but that justice to 
the owners of the Louisa Beaton required him further 
to state, that the consul's information, come from what 
source it might, of the Louisa Beaton's being engaged 
in the slave-trade, was not entitled to any credit. And 
in reference to " the character and former proceedings 
of that vessel," the commander would inform him, that 
the British officer commanding the southern division 
of Her Majesty's squadron had disavowed to him, in 
September, eighteen hundred and fifty, the act of 
boarding and detaining the said brigantine Louisa 
Beaton by another British cruiser ; and also had pro- 
posed a pecuniary remuneration for the satisfaction of 
the master of the said vessel ; in reference to which the 
commander declined any agency, deeming it rather to 
be his duty to report the matter, which was accordingly 
done, to the government of the United States. And 
further, that in the month of June, eighteen hundred and 
fifty-one, he had himself examined the Louisa Beaton, 
at the island of St. Llelena, and that at the date of his 
communication to the governor-general afiecting her 
character, she was a legal trader. 

On the day following, as the Perry was about leav- 
ing Porto Grande, a letter was received from the Brit- 
ish consul, in which he remarked, that he must be per- 
mitted to say, that he could not aclmowledge the right 
of the American commander to question his conduct in 



374 AFRICA AND THE AJVIERICAN FLAG. 

the sliglitest degree ; that when he gave a reply to the 
commander's first letter, it was a mere act of com'tesy 
upon his j)art ; and that the language and bearing 
evinced in the last letter which he had received, com- 
pelled him to inform the commander that he declined 
any further correspondence, but to remark, that he 
should continue the course he had hitherto pursued, in 
denouncing all slave-vessels that came in his way, and 
should not fail to lay a copy of the correspondence be- 
fore Her Majesty's government. 

The Perry anchored in Porto Praya on the following 
day ; and a letter was immediately addressed to the 
commodore, which furnished information of the occur- 
rences at Porto Grande. The commander added, that 
in his interview, in company with the American consul, 
with the collector of the port, the collector had read to 
him a letter from the governor-general of the islands, 
from which it was evident that the Louisa Beaton had 
been denounced by the British consul. A copy of the 
governor-general's letter having been requested, it was 
refused ; but when it was intimated that he ought to 
have informed our consul of the action of the British 
consul in the case, and that the relations between the 
United States and Portugal were of a character which 
should lead him to communicate, promptly, any action 
or information given by a foreign officer, bearing upon 
American vessels or American interests ; the collector 



A BRAZILIAN SLAVER. 375 

replied to this that he would, if officially requested, 
communicate the required information. This was ac- 
cordingly done. 

It was further stated, that, pending the correspondence, 
the British mail steam-packet arrived, with the Hon. Da- 
vid Tod, late American minister at the court of Brazil, on 
board, to whom the matter of the British consul's inter- 
ference was referred for counsel ; and that the minister 
approved the course pursued, remarking that it was a 
case of unwarrantable interference on the part of a for- 
eign officer, which, on our part, demanded prompt 
notice. 

While lying in Porto Praya, a suspicious-looking 
brigantine, under Brazilian coloi-s, appeared off the har- 
bor. The hull, rigging, maneuvering, and the number 
of men on board, indicated her to be a slaver. In a 
letter to the commodore, the agency of the PeiTy in the 
capture of this vessel was explained in the following 
terms. 

" On the 13th instant, a brigantine arrived in this 
port, under Brazilian colors. A boat was dispatched 
from the Perry to ascertain (without boarding, as the 
custom-house boat had not visited her) where she was 
from, where bound, and what news she had to com- 
municate. She reported Brazilian nationality, last from 
Trinidad de Cuba, with sand-ballast. As soon as the 
vessel had anchored the custom-house boat pulled 



376 AFEICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

alongside to pay the usual visit, but, without boarding 
her, proceeded to the Perry, when the officer stated 
that the said brigantine had the small-pox on board, 
and had been j)laced in quarantine. A request w^as 
then made from the authorities on shore, not to permit 
her to leave the port previous to the settlement of her 
bills for the provisions which were to be furnished. 
The commander deeming it rather a duty to ascertain 
the real character of the vessel, than to act as a police 
for the authorities, commmiicated his doubts of her 
having the small-pox on board, intimating that the re- 
port was probably a ruse for the purpose of avoiding 
an examination, as he strongly suspected her of being a 
slaver, and requested that the Perry might board the 
vessel. This was declined, as she was in quaran- 
tine. It was then suggested to the officer to pull under 
the bows of the vessel, take her papers, and submit 
them to a critical examination, which might give a clue 
to her real character. This was done ; and the papers 
were found too informal to entitle her to the protection 
of any state or nation. She was then boarded by the 
governor and collector, who, finding no small-pox on 
board, requested the commander of the Perry to furnish 
an officer, with a gang of men, to assist in making a 
thorough search of the vessel. This request was com- 
plied with, in the full understanding that she was under 
Portuguese jurisdiction, and that the search was to be 



EXPIRATION OF THE CRUISE. 377 

made imcler the direction of the collector, as a matter 
of accommodation, in the light of rendering assistance 
to a foreign, service. 

" After completing the search, which confirmed the 
suspicions of the vessel's character, the first-lieutenant 
of the Perry, at the request of the collector, was directed 
to take the slaver to the inner harbor, and to unbend 
her sails." 

The commodore not arriving at Porto Praya, the 
Perry ran up to Porto Grande, and, on the twenty-sec- 
ond day of October, a copy of the correspondence 
with the British consul, in reference to the Louisa 
Beaton, w^as forwarded to the E^avy Department, at 
Washington. 

After her return to Porto Praya, to wait the arrival 
of the squadron, on the eleventh of E'ovember, the John 
Adams made her appearance, and was followed, on the 
succeeding day, by the flag-ship. The commodore 
had received triplicate orders to send the Perry to the 
United States. The proceedings of the vessel, during 
her absence from the squadron, were approved by the 
commodore ; and on the fifteenth day of December she 
stood out of the harbor, homeward bound, exchanging 
three cheers successively with the Porpoise, the John 
Adams, and the Germantown. 

On arriving at New York, and reporting the vessel, 
a letter, dated December 26th, was received from the 



378 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

Secretary of the iJ^Tavy, of which the foUowhig is the 
concluding paragraph : " The Department tenders its 
congratulations upon your safe return to your country 
and friends, after an active cruise on the coast of Af- 
rica ; during which, your course has met the approba- 
tion of the Department." 



CHAPTEE XXXIY. 

CONCLUSION NECESSITY OF SQUADRONS FOR PROTECTION OF 

COMMERCE AND CITIZENS ABROAD FEVER IN BRAZIL, CUBA 

AND UNITED STATES INFLUENCE OF RECAPTURED SLAVES 

RETURNING TO THE DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THEIR OWN COUN- 
TRY COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH AFRICA. 

Wheee a nation has commerce, it has a dwelling- 
place — a scene of action and of traffic on the sea. It 
ought to find its government there also. The people 
have a right to be protected, and the government is 
bound to enforce that right wherever they go. If they 
visit foreign countries, they have a right to just treat- 
ment. The traveller — the merchant — the missionary — 
the person of whatever character, if an American 
citizen, can demand justice. The sea is no foreign 
territory. Where a merchant vessel bears its country's 
flag, it covers its country's territory. Government is 
instituted to be watchful for the interests and safety of 
its citizens. A navy is the organ through which it 
acts. People on shore see nothing of this kind of 
governmental protection. There is there no marching 
and drumming, or clearing the streets with horsemen 
or footmen, or feathers and trumpets. It is the mer- 
chant who is most directly benefited by naval protec- 



380 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

tion ; and yet all classes share in its advantages. The 
planter and the manufacturer are interested in safe and 
free commerce ; our citizens generally avow that they 
are also interested, by the sensitiveness with which the 
rights of our flag are regarded. It is more politic to 
prevent WTong than to punish it; therefore we have 
police in our streets, and locks on our doors. The shores 
of civilized governments are the mutual boundaries of 
nations. Our government is disjDOsed to show itself 
there, for there are its people, and there are their in- 
terests. The shores of savage lands are our confines 
with savages. Just as forts are required on the fron- 
tiers of the Camanches or Utahs, so are they at Ambriz 
or Sumatra. Cruisers are the nation's fortresses abroad, 
employed for the benefit of her citizens, and the security 
of their commerce. It would be discreditable, as w^ell 
as unsafe, to trust to a foreign power to keep down 
piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, or in the West Indies 
and in the China seas. As commerce extends, so does 
the necessity of its supervision and defence extend. 
The navy therefore requires augmentation, and for the 
reasons assigned in the late report of the Head of that 
Department, it may be inferred that it will have it, in 
reorganized and greatly improved efficiency. 

On this subject, the following are extracts, in sub- 
stance, from a lecture delivered on the evening of Feb- 
ruary 3d, 1854, before the I^ew York Mercantile 



DEMANDS OT THE NAVY. 381 

Library Association, by tlie Hon. Mr. Stanton, of 
Tennessee, the cliairman of the judiciary committee 
of the U. S. Honse of Representatives, and for a long 
time chairman of the naval committee of that body : 

" A strong naval power is the best promoter of com- 
merce, and hence men engaged in commercial pursuits, 
cannot but feel an interest in the history of the rise and 
progress of that navy, to which the successes of their 
business undertakings are principally due. At a very 
early period, navies became an indispensable power in 
war. The later invention of ordnance, and the still 
more recent application of steam as a motive power to 
ships of war, render it at present a question of some 
difficulty, to predict the extent to which naval military 
power may hereafter arrive. 

" Wliat we have to do in times of peace, is to main- 
tain our naval force in the highest state of efficiency of 
which it is capable, and ready to enter upon action at 
a moment's warning. With the lessons of the British 
war before us, it cannot be possible that the recent 
experiments of Lieutenant Dahlgren at Washington, 
and the discoveries which have resulted from them, 
will fail to prove of high practical service. But with 
all our appliances or discoveries in this regard, we can- 
not conceal from ourselves the fact, that we are behind 
other nations in all that concerns the structure of our 
ships. 



382 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

"We must have macliinery and all proper appli- 
ances, as well as the raw materials, for the construction 
of a naval power when required. We must have inde- 
pendent establishments on both sides of the continent, 
to protect our Pacific as well as our Atlantic coasts, 
which should be connected by a railroad stretching 
across the breadth of the country. The requirements 
of commerce, and the advances which it has been mak- 
ing in increasing the facilities for navigation, will force 
us into improvements in our naval power, in order to 
uphold our commerce. 

" It may be safely presumed, that at the present state 
of our aifairs, a moderate and efficient navy would be 
a great civilizing power ; it would hover around the 
path of our ships, and by the very exhibition of its 
power suppress all attempts to molest them in their 
mission of j)eace and brotherhood across the seas. But 
in addition to this, our navy is even now aiding stren- 
uously in the march of geographical discovery, and in 
enlarging our stock of scientific knowledge, and our 
familiarity with the facts of physical philosophy. 
When we consider the character of our institutions — 
when we consider that our great interests lie in the 
paths of peace — we must be impressed with the fact, 
that the contributions to science, and the civilizing in- 
fluences of our navy, are one of the most powerful means 
by which we can uphold our interests, and carry out 



PROPOSALS TO WITHDRAW THE SQUADRON. 383 

our institutions to the fullest development of which they 
are capable. 

" Under all circumstances and all disadvantages, the 
navy has never, at any period of our history, failed to 
do honor to itself, and to shed lustre on the American 
character. From the Revolutionary war down to the 
late conquest of Mexico, in every case in which its co- 
operation was at all possible, it has given proofs of 
activity and power equal to the proud and commanding 
position we are to occupy among the nations of the 
earth. We have opportunities to supply the service 
with the means of moral and physical progress, to free 
it from the shackles of old forms, and suffer it to clothe 
itself with the panoply of modern science, and to be 
identified with the spread of civilization and enlighten- 
ment over the world. It will continue to be our pride 
and our boast, the worthy representative upon the 
ocean, of the genius, the skill, and the enterprise of our 
people — of the boundless resources of our growing 
country — of the power, and grandeur, and glory, as 
well as the justice and humanity of our free insti- 
tutions." 

The legislatures of some states, the reports of some 
auKiliary colonization societies, the speeches of some 
distinguished senators and representatives in congress, 
the addresses of some colonization agents, have repre- 
sented the great sacrifice of life and treasure in " un- 



384 4FRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

successful efforts," by the African squadron, for the 
extermination of the slave-trade, and proposed to with- 
draw it. Whereas, it has been shown that the African 
squadrons, instead of being useless, have rendered 
essential service. For much as colonization has accom- 
plished, and effectual as Liberia is in suppressing the 
slave-traffic within her own jurisdiction, these means 
and these results have been established and secured by 
the presence and protection of the naval squadrons of 
Great Britain, France and the United States. And 
had no such assistance. been rendered, the entire coast, 
where we now see legal trade and advancing civiliza- 
tion, would have been at this day, in spite of any efforts 
to colonize, or to establish legal commerce, the scene of 
unchecked, lawless slave-trade piracy. 

Strange and frightful maladies have been engen- 
dered by the cruelties perpetrated within the hold of a 
slaver. If any disease affecting the human constitu- 
tion were brought there, we may be sure that it would 
be nursed into mortal vigor in these receptacles of filth, 
corruption and despair. Crews have been known to 
die by the fruit of their own crime, and leave ships 
almost helpless. They have carried the scourge with 
them. The coast fever of Africa, bad enough where 
it has its birth, came in these vessels, and has 
assumed perhaps a permanent abode in the western 
regions of the world, '^o fairer sky or healthier 



THE AFRICO- AMERICAN FEVER. 385 

climate were there on earth, than in the beautiful bay, 
and amid the grand and picturesque scenery of Rio de 
Janeiro in Brazil. But it became a haunt of slavers, 
and the dead of Africa floated on the glittering waters, 
and were tumbled upon the sands of its harbor. The 
shipping found, in the hot summer of 1849, that death 
had come with the slavers. Thirty or forty vessels were 
lying idly at their anchors, for their crews had mostly 
perished. The pestilence swept along the coast of that 
empire with fearful malignity. 

Cuba for the same crime met the same retribution. 
Cargoes of slaves were landed to die, and brought the 
source of their mortality ashore, vigorous and deadly. 
The fever settled there in the beginning of 1853, and 
came to our country, as summer approached, in mer- 
chant vessels from the West Indies. At JSTew Orleans, 
Mobile, and other places it spread desolation, over 
which the country mourned. Let it be remembered 
that it is never even safe to disregard crime. 

Civilized governments are now very generally united 
in measures for the suppression of the slave-trade. The 
coast of Africa itself is rapidly closing against it. The 
American and English colonies secure a vast extent of 
sea-coast against its revival. Christian missions, at 
many points, are inculcating the doctrines of divine 
truth, which, by its power upon the hearts of men, is 
the antagonist to such cruel unrighteousness. 

17 



386 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

The increase of commerce, and the advance of Chris- 
tian civilization, Avill undoubtedly, at no distant date, 
render a naval force for the suppression of the African 
slave-trade unnecessary ; but no power having exten- 
sive commerce ought ever to overlook the necessity of 
a naval force on that coast. The Secretary of the 
ITavy, it is to be hoped, has, in his recent report, set- 
tled the question as to the continuance of the African 
squadron. 

The increasing influence of Liberia and Cape Palmas 
will prove a powerful protection to their colored breth- 
ren everywhere. "With them Sierra Leone will unite 
in feeling and purposes. Their policy will always be 
the same. It must necessarily happen that a close po- 
litical relationship in interests and feelings will unite 
them all in one system of action. Their policy will be 
that of uncompromising hostility to the slave-trade. 

There are two aspects of this question well worthy of 
consideration : 

The Liberians are freemen, recognized as having 
their proper standing among the nations of the world. 
The people of Sierra Leone are Englishmen, having 
the legal rights of that kingdom. Therefore, seizing 
the citizens of either the one or the other community in 
time of peace, and carrying them captive to be sold, 
amounts to the greatest crime which can be committed 
on the ocean. 



A NEW ASPECT OF THE SLAVE-TRADE. 387 

iNow as this may be surmised in tlie case of all sla- 
vers on tliat coast, tlie guilt of the slaver in the eye of 
national law becomes greater than before; and the 
peril greater. It may be presumed that if a case were 
established against any slave cargo, that it contained 
one of either of the above-mentioned description of 
persons, the consequences to the slavers, whatever their 
nation might be, would be much more serious than has 
hitherto been the case. 

But a principle of higher justice ought long ago to 
have been kept in view, and acted upon. Let the cai- 
tiff have his " pound of flesh," but " not one drop of 
blood." If a man throttles another, or suffocates him 
for want of air, or stows eight hundred people in a 
ship's hold, where he knows that one or two hundred 
in the "middle passage" will necessarily die, every 
such death is a murder^ and each man aboard of such 
vessel who has any agency in procuring or forwarding 
this cargo, is a murderer. It has therefore been con- 
trary to justice, that the perpetrator of such crimes 
should have been dismissed with impunity when cap- 
tured. Such considerations ought to weigh with men 
in the future. 

There has been already a commencement of a coast- 
ing trade, conducted by colored men. There is a Li- 
berian man-of-war schooner, the " Lark," Lieutenant- 
Commanding Cooper ; and the English, after furnishing 



388 AFRICA AND THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

the scliooner, liave proffered the assistance of lier navy 
officers to instruct the young aspirants of the republic, 
in the art of sailing the cruiser, and in the science of 
naval warfare. Captain Cooper will not take exception 
at the remark, that it is " the day of small things" with 
the Liberian navy. But his flag bears the star of hope 
to a vigorous young naval power. 

A returning of recaptured slaves, instructed and civ- 
ilized, to the lands which gave them birth, has taken 
place. Some hundreds passed by Lagos, and were as- 
sailed and plundered. Some hundreds passed by Ba- 
dagry, and were welcomed with kind treatment. The 
one occurrence reminded them of African darkness, 
obduracy and crime ; the other of the softening and 
elevating effects which Christianity strives to introduce. 
They have gone to establish Christian churches, and 
have established them there. Such things we are sure 
have been reported far in the interior, and Christianity 
now stands contrasted with Mohammedanism, as being 
the deliverer, while the latter is still the enslaver. The 
report must also have gone over the whole broad inter- 
tropical continent, that Christian nations have joined 
together for African deliverance ; and that for purposes 
so high the race of Africa has returned from the 
west, and by imitation of western policy and religion, 
is establishing a restorative influence on their own 
shores. 



THE FUTURE OF AFRICA. 389 

There lias thus been presented a view of Africa and 
of its progress, as far as its condition and advancement 
have had any relation to our country and its flag. 
How far its growth in civilization has been dependent 
on the efforts of America has been illustrated ; and how 
essentially the naval interference of the United States 
has contributed to this end, has been made evident. It 
cannot escape notice that this progress must in the fu- 
ture depend on the same means and the same efforts. 
Our own national interests, being those of a commer- 
cial people, require the presence of a squadron. Under 
its protection commerce is secure, and is daily increas- 
ing in extent and value. 

It is impossible to say how lucrative this commerce 
may ultimately become. That the whole African coast 
should assume the aspect of Liberia, is perhaps not an 
unreasonable expectation. That Liberia will continue 
to grow in wealth and influence, is not improbable. 
There is intelligence among its people, and wisdom and 
energy in its councils. There is no reason to believe 
that this will not continue. Its position makes it an 
agricultural community. Other lands must afford its 
manufactures and its ti-aders. There will, therefore, 
ever be on its shores a fair field for American enter- 
prise. 

The reduction, or annihilation of the slave-trade, is 
opening the whole of these vast regions to science and 



390 AFRICA AI^D THE AMERICAN FLAG. 

legal commerce. Let America take her right share in 
them. It is throwing wide the portals of the continent 
for the entrance of Christian civilization. Let our 
country exert its full proportion of this influence ; and 
thus recompense to Africa the wrongs inflicted upon 
her people, in which hitherto all nations have partici- 
pated. 



THE END. 



D. APPLETON & CO., 

346 & 348 BROADWAY, NEW- YORK, 

Have just published 
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By JOSEPH G. BALDWIN. 

ILLUSTEATED, 12mo. 330 PAGES. 



These sketches of the "Flush Times" of oui* own day, personating 
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Few works have ever been issued from the press which has been as 
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Contents of "Flush Times."— OVID BOLUS, Esq., Attorney at Law, and 
Solicitor in Chancery.— MY FIRST APPEARANCE AT THE BAR, Higgin- 
botham vs. Swink, Slander.— THE BENCH AND THE BAR. Introduction— Jolly 
Times— Chaos of Jurisprudence — The Era of Quashing — Jim. T., a Character — 
How to get rid of Counts in a Declaration— A Nonsuit — The Commonwealth vs. 
Foreman — Yankee Schoolmaster in a Fix — The Argument and Verdict, &c. — 
HOW THE TIMES SERVED THE VIRGINIAN S.— Virginians in a New 
Country— The Rise, Decline, and Fall of the Rag Empire.— ASSAULT AND 
BATTERY.— ^ttrreK or Burwell Shines— His Testimony in Full— Verdict of the 
Jury.— SIMON SUGGS, Jr., Esq. ; A LEGAL BIOGRAPHY.— Correspondence.— 
SQUIRE A. AND THE FRITTERS.— JONATHAN AND THE CONSTABLE. 
—SHARP FINANCIERING.- CAVE BURTON, ESQ., OF KENTUCKY.— 
His Traits and Characteristics — The Earthquake Story — A Breach of Promise — A 
Fining Judge — Scene in a Court House— Miss Jule Pritcher— Catastrophe, &c., &c, 
—JUSTIFICATION AFTER VERDICT.— AN AFFAIR OP HONOR.— HON. 
S. S. PRENTISS,— A Sketch of his Character, and Review of his Public Career.— 
THE BAR OF THE SOUTH-WEST.— Jurisprudence in a New Country— The 
Young Attorney and the Celebrated Lawyer — Litigation Attending Frontier Life— 
The Poetry of Swindling, &c., iSsc— HON. FRANCIS STROTHER.—" Portrait 
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Fortiter — ^The Hon. Francis' Munificence—His Services to the State, &c., Ac— 
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A COOL REJOINDER.— A HUNG COURT.— Smith m. Johnson.— SAMUEL 
HELE, ESQ., A Yankee Schoolmistress and an Alabama Lawyer.— JOHN 
STOUT, ESQ., AND MARK SULLIVAN.— MONSLOW— JO. HEYFRON— OLD 
UNCLE JOHN OLIVE.— EXAMINING A CANDIDATE FOR LICENSE. 



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APPLETON'S EDITION OF THE BRITISH POETS. 



PEOSPEOTUS 

OF A 

New and Splendid Library Edition 

OF THB 

FOPUIAR POETS AND POETRY OF BRITAIN 

EDITED, WITH BIOGKAPHICAL AND CRITICAL NOTICES, 
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the Chiswick press — we have had the double-columned editions of Chalmers and An- 
derson — and we have the, as yet, imperfect Aldine edition ; but no series has hitherto 
given evidence that a man of cultivated taste and research directed the whole." — Athen. 

The splendid series of books now offered to the public at such an unusually low 
rate of charge, will be got up with all the care and elegance which the present advanced 
state of the publishing art can command. 

The well-known literary character and ability of the editor is sufScient guaranty for 
the accuracy and general elucidation of the text, while the paper, printing, and binding 
of the volumes will be of the highest class, forming, in these respects, a striking contrast 
to all existing cheap editions, in which so few efforts have been made to combine 
superiority in production with low prices. 

Under the impression that a chronological issue of the Poets would not be so ac- 
ceptable as one more diversified, it has been deemed advisable to intermix the earlier 
and the later Poets. Care, however, will be taken that either the author or the volumes 
are in themselves complete, as published ; so that no purchaser discontinuing the series 
at any time, will be possessed of imperfect books. 

The absence in the book market of any handsome uniform series of the Popular Brit- 
ish Poets, at a moderate price, has induced the publishers to project the present edition, 
under the impression that, produced in superior style, deserving a place on the shelves 
of the best libraries, and offered at less than one half the usual selling price, it will meet 
that amount of patronage which an enterprise, based on such liberal terms, requires. 

The series will conclude with a few volumes of fugitive pieces, and a History oi 
British Poetry, in which selections will be given from the writings of those authors 
(vhose works do not possess suflicient interest to warrant their publication as a whole. 

It is believed that this will render the present edition of the British Poets the mos* 
complete which has ever been issued, and secure for it extensive support The series i» 
intended to include the following authors : — 



ADDISON. 


OOWPEE. 


GEAHAME. 


OPIE. 


SPENSER. 


AKBNSIDB. 


CRABBE. 


GRAY. 


PAENELL. 


SUCKLING. 


ARMSTRONG. 


CEA8HAW. 


GREEN. 


PENE08E. 


SURREY. 


BARBAULD. 


CUNNINGHAM. 


HAMILTON, W. 


PEECY, 


SWIFT. 


BEATTIE. 


DAVIES. 


HARRINGTON. 


POPE. 


TANNAHILL. 


BLAIR. 


DENHAM. 


HERBERT. 


PEIOK. 


THOMSON. 


BLOOMFIELD, 


DONNE. 


HERRICK. 


QUAELES. 


TICKELL. 


BEirCE. 


DRAYTON. 


HOGG. 


EAM8AY. 


TAUGHAN, H. 


BURNS. 


DRUMMOND. 


JAMES I. 


E0GEE8. 


"WALLER. 


BUTLER. 


DEYDEN. 


JONES. 


EOSCOMMON. 


WARTON, J. 


BYRON. 


DUNBAR. 


JOHNSON. 


BOSS. 


WARTON, T. 


CAMPBELL. 


DYER. 


JONSON. 


8ACKVILLB. 


WATTS. 


OAREW. 


FALCONER. 


LEYDEN, 


BCOTT, J. 


WHITE, H. K 


OHATTERTON. 


FERGUSSON. 


LLOYD. 


SCOTT, SXE W. 


WITHER. 


CHAUCER. 


FLETCHER, G. 


LOGAN. 


6HAK8PEAEB. 


WILKIE. 


CHURCHILL. 


GAY. 


MACPHERSON. 


SHELLEY. 


WOLCOTT. 


CLARE. 


GIFFORD. 


MALLETT. 


8HEN8TONB. 


WOLFE. 


COLERIDGE. 


GLOVER. 


MARVEL. 


SMART. 


WYATT. 


COLLINS. 


GOLDSMITH. 


MILTON. 


SMOLLETT. 


YOUNG. 


COWLEY. 


GOWEE. 


MOOEE. 


80MEEVILLE. 





The followhig Authors are now ready : 

fOHN MILTON, 2 vols. ; JAMES THOMSON, 1 vol. ; GEORGE HERBERT, 1 v<A 

JAMES TOTING. 1 vol. 



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tliwefore, if for nothing else, worthy of recognition. Should this work fail 
of |}opularity, it will not be for its unworthiness, but for its unusual excel- 
lenoe, as a work of art. There is nothing meretricious about it." — Albany 
Evei'dng Journal. 

" No one who reads this work but will pay his tribute to its excellence. 
He has given us in prose fiction the poetry of every-day truth, and made a 
brilliant romance which even in this age of book-n}aking, will live. No 
reader will ever confound the eloquent writer with " the mob of gentlemen 
who write at ease." — National Intelligencer. 

" The interest and beauty of fiction are strikingly blended with the re- 
alities of modern life, in this new work of Mr. Collins : and whether we 
regard the happy manner in which the author has sustained throughout the 
plot of his tale, or the elegant style in which the publishers, Messrs. Apple- 
ton & Co., have presented the volume to the American reader, we equally 
reeommend it." — Boston Times. 



KBUBBJST MEDLIOOTT; 

OR, THE COMING MAN. 
By M. W. SAVAGE, ESQ. 

AUTHOR OF "the BACHELOR OF ALBANY," " MT UNCLE THE CORATE," BTO. 

, One vol. 12ino. pp. 443. Paper, 50c.; Cloth, 75c. 

" A most entertaining story by the author of ihe Bachelor of Albany 
[t is full of life and character, and is written sensibly, humorously, and often 
natirically." — N. T. Courier. 

"The story is wall told, and the moral a most instructive one."— 2)a% 
Standard. 

" The narrative is rsjaarkably lively and amusing, and the varied char 
cters are depicted in a graphic and sparkling manner."— C^r. Messenger. 

"The story is very skufully and yet naturally wrought out, and ho will 
00 a fortunate reader who does not find parts of it bearing closely upon pas 
•ages in his own Me. ^''— Albany Eegister. 

"A satirical novel, written in a style of high art and careless carefulnesfi 
rarely excelled. We have se<5n nothing more lively, polished and piquani 
for many a day."— A"! Y. Post. 

" It ift written in a dazzling and joyous styie, which certainly reoow 
mends it."— TV^^ Whig. 



D. Appleion <k Comjpany's Publications. 

GRACE AGUILAE^S WORKS. 



HOME SCENES AND HEAET STUDIES. 

One vol, 12mo. Paper cover, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 cents. 

" With this volume, which completes the series in which the delineation of ihe char* 
ftcter of woman has been the chief design, the public now have the Works of Grraot 
A^ilar, the intrinsic interest and value of which have won for them an enviable repu- 
tation. This last of the series consists of a variety of tales and sketches well calculated 
b) awaken sentiments of pure affection, and inspire the heart with nobler and holiet 
ensibilities, by its impressive illustrations of the delights of Home." — Tribune. 

" Her books all bear the impress of genius, consecrated to the noblest purposes. They 
may be put into the hands of all classes, without the least hesitation ; and no better ser 
vice could be rendered to the age, than to inspire it with a love for these production* 
We recommend this series of books to cur readers, and especially to our female readers 
Let them get and read the writings of this champion of their sex." — Observer. 

THE MOTHER'S' EECOMPEI^TSE. 

12mo. Paper, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 cents. 

" It is a fragrant offering to the cause of domestic virtue and happiness." — Alban/y 
Atlas. 

" In the domestic circle, and by all cur fair readers, this excellent story wLH meet 
with a cordial welcome." — Home Journal. 

IIL 

WOMAN'S FEIENDSHK\ 

A story of Domestic Life. 12mo. Cloth, 75 cents ; paper, 50 cents. 

"This work should find a welcome in every family circle, where it is so well calcu- 
lated to do good." — Commercxal Advertiser. 

" The style of this production closely resembles that of Miss Edgeworth. It is one 
of those vivid pictures of every-day life that never fails to please." — If. 0. True Delta, 

THE YALE OF CEDAeS ; OE, THE MAETYE. 

A Story of Spain in the Fifteenth Century. 12nio. Paper, 50 cents ; 

cloth, 75 cents. 

"The grace and vigor of the style, the masterly manner in which the details of the 
Btory are managed, and its thrilling interest, render the book one of the most absorbing 
that we have read for some time." — Newark Daily Advertiser. 

THE WOMEI^' OF ISEAEL. 

Two \ols. 12 mo. Paper, $1 ; cloth, $1 50. 

" By no writer have the characters of the celebrated Women of Israel beeu so cor 
rectly appreciated, or eloquently delineated. Those high attainments of piety, those 
graces of spirit, which have placed them in the rank of examples for all subsequent 
generations, are spread«before us with a geniality of spirit and a beauty of style which 
wiJJ. secure the warmest admiration ; at the same time their weaknesses and errors are 
Bot overlooked or excused." — Courier and Enquirer 

THE DAYS OF BEUCE. 

i story from Scottish History. 2 vols. 16mo, Paper, $1 ; cloth, $1 5U 

" This truly delightful work takes a higher position than that of a novel. It is foU 
<d sound instruction, close and logical reasoning, and is fill Veith practical lessons of every 
iay caaracter, which renders it a desirable book for the young."- -Albany Keaister. 



D. Appleton & Company's Fuhhcations. 

f opkr Cate h American ^utljors. 



TIME AND TIDE ; 

OE, STPwIYE AND WIN. 
By A. S. Roe. 12mo. Cloth, 63 cents ; paper, 88 cents. 

W« "ivish that every work of Action we are called to notice was as admirable ta ita 
&7i» 88 this, for there are few which we can so unhesitatingly put into the hands of a 
r^miJg person. We gladly welcome any such addition to our lighter literature."-^a>pre€S 

TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED; 

A Story. By A. S. Roe. 12mo, Paper cover, 88 cents ; clotli, 63 centa 

"This is one of those attractive romances in which the purest passions of the heart 
are delineated with a simplicity of style and an elevation of thought, that will charm 
every reader. Love in its fulness and its richness, its delicacy and its fervor, is hero 
portrayed with a masterly hand." — Courier and Enq. 

III. 

JAMES 3I0NTJ0 Y ; 

OE, I'VE BEEN THINKING. 

By A. S. Roe. 12mo, Cloth, 75 cents ; paper, 50 cents. 

It abounds with the purest and deepest moral and pious sentiments interwoven with 
scenes of every day life, in a manner that goes directly to the heart. It is a work cA 
which Americans may well be proud." — Evangelist, 

IT. 

HEARTS UNVEILED; 

OE, "I KNEW YOU WOULD LIKE HIM." 

By Sarah Emery Saymore. 12mo. Paper, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 cents. 

" This is a pleaeant, unpretending book, abounding with moral lessons, and written 
with a moral purpose, exposing the many unthought of influences which operate upon 
the character, and illustrating what it is that insures real happiness. The book is weU 
calculated to benefit young minds and young hearts." — Courier. 

Y. 

SUNBEAMS AND SHADOWS, AND BUDS 
AND BLOSSOMS. 

OE, LEAVES FEOM AUNT MINNIE'S POETFOLIO. 

By Georgib A. Hulse. 16mo. Paper, 50 cents; cloth, 76 cents. 

"Tliis is a wholesome and lefreshing novel — the dialogue is sprightly and sparklin* 
the moral good, and the interest of the work is well sustained. It can be recommen<t 
kd, we think, to readers of all descriptions." — Protest. Churchman. 

HELOISE; 

OE, THE UNEEVEALED SECEET. 
By Talvi. 12mo. Paper cover, 50 cents ; cloth, 75 centa 

LIFE'S DISCIPLINE : 

A Tale. By Tat.vt. 12mo. Paper, 88 cents; cloth. 68 cent* 



g^BBB«aiiuwfjja%a 



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9 APPLETONS' POPULAR LIBRARY. P 

^« « 

Now Ready. 
ESSAYS FROM THE LONDON TIMES; A Collection of 

Personal and Historical Sketches. 

THE YELLOWPLUSH PAPERS. By W. M. Thackeray. 

THE MAIDEN AND MARRIED LIEE OF MARY POW- 
ELL : afterwards Mrs. Milton. 

A JOURNEY THROUGH TARTARY, THIBET, AND 

CHINA. By M. Hue. 

THE PARIS SKETCH BOOK. By W. M. Thackeeay. 
GAIETIES AND GRAVITIES. By Hoeaoe Smith, one of 

the Authors of the " Rejected Addresses." 

THE INGOLDSBY LEGENDS. By Baeham. 

PAPERS FRO^I THE QUARTERLY REVIEW. 

LITTLE PEDLINGTON AND THE PEDLINGTONIANS. 

By the Author of " Paul Pry." 

A JOURNEY TO KATMANDU; OR, THE NEPAULESE 

AMBASSADOR AT HOME, By Lawrence Olyphant. 

THE BOOK OF SNOBS. By W. M. Thackeeay. 

A BOOK FOR SUMMER TIME IN THE COUNTRY. 

By the Eev. E. A. Willmott. 

STORIES FROM "BLACKWOOD." 

MEN'S WIVES. By W. M. Thackeeat. 

LIVES OF WELLINGTON AND PEEL. 

A SHABBY GENTEEL STORY. By W. M. Thaokeeay. 

A SECOND SERIES OF ESSAYS FROM THE LONDON 

TIMES. 

CONFESSIONS OF FITZ BOODLE AND MAJOR GAHA- 

GAlN. By W. M. Thackekat. 

THE LUCK OF BARRY LYNDON: A Romance of the 

Last Century. By W. M. Thackeray. 

LIFE AND MEMORIALS OF DANIEL WEBSTER. By 

Gen. S. p. Lyman. Two vols. 16mo. 

MR. BROWN'S LETTERS TO A YOUNG MAN. THE 

PEOSER, &c. By W. M. Thackeray. 50 cts. 

PUNCH'S PRIZE NOVELISTS. THE FAT CONTRIBUTOR. 

TRAVELS IN LONDON. By W. M, Thackeray. 50 cts. 

JEAMES'S DIARY; A TALE OF THE PANIC OF 1845. 

A LEGEND OF THE RHINE; REBEC"* A AND ROWENA. By W. 
M. Thackeray. 50 cts. 



Nearly Keady. 
i THE INGOLDSBY LEGENDS, 2d and 3d Seeies, with a Life 

1 of the Author. 

THEODORE HOOK'S LIFE AND LITERARY REMAINS. 
.THE MISCELLANEOUS WORKS OF CHRISTOPHER, 
() NORTH. 






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